On May 16th, Jadwiga Rappé, an outstanding Polish soprano, mentor to many remarkable musicians, and our dear Friend, passed away. She will remain in our memory as an exceptional interpreter of music from all eras. With her talent, skills, and artistic passion, she was an extraordinary and fascinating person. We will miss her dearly, though we have many of her wonderful recordings to remember her by…
Jadzia, rest in peace.
—Mieczysław Kominek, Dir. Polish Music Information Centre – Warsaw
The passing of Jadwiga Rappé is a great loss. It brings sorrow and a sense of emptiness. In addition to her musical artistry, Jadwiga Rappé was known for her great intelligence, presence of mind, and excellent organizational skills. We bid farewell to a figure of the highest artistic caliber, with such endearing personal qualities.
May her memory be honored!
—Jerzy Kornowicz, Dir. Int’l “Warsaw Autumn” Festival
Internationally renowned Polish mezzosoprano Jadwiga Rappé (1952-2025) passed away on May 16 in Warsaw after a long illness. Celebrated for her career of over four decades, she had performed and recorded as a soloist with some of the world’s greatest orchestras and labels. Rappé will also be remembered for using her great talent and fame to spotlight Polish composers, and as a beloved pedagogue who inspired generations of singers during her time as professor at the Chopin University in Warsaw and Academy of Music in Gdańsk.
Read the full obituary at www.polskieradio.pl.
[Sources: polmic.pl, polskieradio.pl, photo credit: Andrzej Świetlik – scanned from “Studio” monthly, February 1994, Prószyński i S-ka editors, Warsaw, Poland]