On January 7th, we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the death of Adam Didur, one of Poland’s greatest opera singers. Born in 1874 in Wola Sękowa, Didur became one of the most celebrated basses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His exceptional talent and powerful voice made him a key figure in the operatic world, with a career that spanned Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
From Wola Sękowa to International Opera Stardom
Didur’s journey to stardom began in his hometown of Wola Sękowa before moving to Lviv, where he began formal music studies. With a scholarship from a local patron, he continued his education in Italy, eventually making his operatic debut in 1894. His big break came in 1908 when he joined the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he would go on to perform nearly 1,000 times. His iconic roles, such as Boris Godunov and Mefistofeles, earned him international acclaim and solidified his place among the greatest opera singers of his time.
Adam Didur: A Legacy of Opera, Education, and Family
Despite his success on stage, Didur also made a lasting impact as an educator. In the 1930s, he became a professor at the Lviv Conservatory, later returning to Poland during World War II to continue his work as a teacher and conductor. He founded the State Opera in Bytom and played a pivotal role in preserving and developing Polish opera during challenging times.
Didur’s personal life was intertwined with his musical career. He had five daughters, three of whom became opera singers themselves. His family often performed together, and in 1926, they staged Faust in Lviv, with Didur and his daughters in leading roles. His legacy lives on today through competitions and venues named in his honour, ensuring that future generations remember his contributions to opera and music education.