Semperoper mourns the loss of ensemble member Aaron Pegram

The Semperoper Dresden is mourning the loss of its ensemble member Aaron Pegram. The US tenor died unexpectedly on Sunday in Dresden, the Saxon State Opera announced, citing the artist's family. "His sudden death leaves us stunned. We have lost an outstanding performer and singer as well as a sensitive colleague who will be greatly missed by us all. Our sympathies are with Aaron's family," said Nora Schmid, Director of the Saxon State Opera.

Pegram was still performing at the Semper Opera Ball on Friday

Pegram was still part of the Semper Opera Ball program last Friday, where he played Charlie Chaplin in a number. "Aaron Pegram was a member of our ensemble and our artistic family for many years. With his extraordinary versatility, his stage intelligence, his collegial warmth and his fine sense of humor, he had a lasting impact on the face of the Semperoper Dresden," said the Artistic Director. Pegram's age remains unknown.

Pegram had been a member of the Semperoper ensemble since 2009

Aaron Pegram began his singing career at the Orlando Opera in 2003. This was later followed by engagements at the Houston Grand Opera, the Santa Fe Opera and the New York City Opera, among others. At the beginning of the 2009/2010 season, he found a new artistic home at the Semperoper, where he appeared in almost 50 productions and more than 60 roles. Most recently, Pegram was cast in the Puccini operas "Turandot" and "Madama Butterfly", among others.