David DiChiera Of Michigan Opera Theatre Has Been Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

One of the most respectable figures of the American opera industry David DiChiera has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The founder and artistic director of Michigan Opera Theatre told the board members of the institution about his illness through an email on Thursday.

David DiChiera was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1935. DiChiera and his parents were Italian immigrants. He was raised in Los Angeles, California. He later graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with highest honors. He has a Master's degree in Composition which he received from University of California, Los Angeles.

According to Freep, the Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT) had just announced the details of various performances for the gala celebration of David DiChiera's retirement when the news came. In the earlier phase of last year, David DiChiera announced that he will retire from his current position of MOT at the end of the 2016-2017 season.

After the announcement of David DiChiera's retirement, MOT planned for a gala celebration of his career on May 19. The DiChiera Grand Salute Legacy Concert would take place just before the final weekend performances of DiChiera's 2007 opera, "Cyrano".

According to Crain's Detroit Business, the revival of DiChiera's 2007 opera "Cyrano" will feature some significant figures. Among them will be singers Denyce Graves, Christine Goerke, and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Veronika Part. The show will be followed by a bravo salute in the Opera House and a sponsorship dinner at the Detroit Athletic Club.

The celebration of The DiChiera Grand Salute Legacy Concert was planned to be held on May 19 before the news of his cancer diagnosis came. In his emailed letter to the members of the board, he expressed his desire to attend the gala. David DiChiera's in his letter said: "I want to be there, to see all my friends and family, to personally thank you for your love and support, and to truly celebrate the future of Michigan Opera Theatre and the City of Detroit with you."

There is no confirmation of David DiChiera's condition or any news on how advanced cancer could be. He began his treatments on Monday last week. This news came as a huge shock to the opera industry. David DiChiera is a very popular figure among the opera industry; he is also known for saving and restoring the Detroit Opera House. We wish him a speedy recovery.

TagsDavid DiChiera, founder of Michigan Opera Theatre, American composer David DiChiera, Artistic Director David DiChiera has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer