Vienna, Austria – The world of opera is in deep mourning following the tragic news of the passing of Steve Davislim, a distinguished Australian operatic tenor, who died on August 10, 2024, at the age of 57. Known for his extraordinary voice and profound humanity, Davislim was a beloved figure on the international stage, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.
Born in 1967 in Malaysia, Steve Davislim made his mark as one of Australia’s most successful international artists. With roots in both Irish and Chinese heritage, Davislim was based in Vienna, Austria, and spent over three decades gracing the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and collaborating with leading orchestras and conductors. His death was first announced on “The GoldFish Report” on August 10, and the news has since sent shockwaves through the opera community.
Arts Management, a prominent organization, expressed their deep sorrow, stating, "It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of our dear friend and great artist Steve Davislim. Steve was a man of great humanity and keen intellect who possessed a voice of rare beauty and facility." The organization also acknowledged the recent opportunities they had to hear him perform, thanks to various notable orchestras and music festivals. "A fine artist taken from us too soon but one whose performances we treasure and whose many recordings we will continue to cherish," they added.
The outpouring of grief on social media has been immense, with many friends, colleagues, and admirers expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Davislim’s impact on their lives.
Stuart Skelton, a fellow opera singer, expressed his sorrow, "How utterly devastating. Incredibly sad news indeed. Condolences to his family."
Emma Matthews, another renowned artist, shared her feelings, "Such sad news. A beautiful artist and human. My sympathies to his loved ones and friends."
Jeremy Boulton, reflecting on one of Davislim’s memorable performances, said, "I’ll never forget his brilliant performance singing Britten’s Les Illuminations paired with Simone Young conducting Mahler 6 in a wonderful program at SSO. Beautiful voice. Vale."
The opera community is united in grief over the loss of Steve Davislim, whose voice and spirit touched so many around the globe. As the details of his memorial service are awaited, those who knew him personally and professionally continue to honor his memory through their heartfelt tributes.