The death has been communicated of the US mezzo-soprano Dorothy Krebill, widow of Plato Steven Karayanis, who was general director of the Dallas Opera for 23 years. Together, they made Dallas a home for fine singing, fine food and fine wines. Opera performances doubled under their leadership and the budget increased ninefold. Dorothy, who survived her husband by two years, was 94.
The Karayanis couple started out as American freelancers in German opera houses – did they ever reach out to quarter-Greek cousin Hebert von Karayanis? – and later in the Metropolitan Opera National Company until it shut down in 1967. They moved to Dallas in 1977.
Moving on from Dallas, they helped out Palm Beach Opera and the fledgling Opera San Antonio.
Lives of service, as the phrase goes.
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