Israeli Baritone Motti Kaston Dies at 64 in Frankfurt

Stuttgart Opera has announced the death of Israeli baritone Motti Kaston. He was 64 and died in Frankfurt, according to the company's statement.

Kaston spent 35 years as a member of the Stuttgart Opera's soloists ensemble — a tenure that places him among the longest-serving singers in the recent history of the German house. The company confirmed his death in its announcement, which has been reported by Slippedisc.

Who was Motti Kaston?

Kaston built his career across three decades on major stages in Europe and the United States. His training and early distinctions included two milestones that anchored his professional reputation:

• Completion of the Metropolitan Opera's training programme in 1989
• First prize at the Pavarotti Competition in Philadelphia

The Metropolitan Opera engaged him several times, and he went on to appear at other major stages beyond Stuttgart.

What does his death mean for Stuttgart Opera?

Kaston's 35-year membership in the Stuttgart soloists ensemble made him a fixture of the company rather than a guest passing through. The announcement of his death at 64 closes a chapter for a singer whose career connected the American training system — the Met's Lindemann-era pipeline — with the German repertory tradition.

No further details on the circumstances of his death, surviving family, or memorial arrangements were included in the company's announcement as reported.

Stuttgart Opera's statement stands as the primary confirmation of his death, and any memorial plans are expected to come through the company in the days ahead.