Douglas Ahlstedt was an American actor who is best known for Great Performances at the Met, Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria, and Fra Diavolo. He was born on March 16, 1945, in Jamestown, New York, and passed away on November 24, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Personal and Family Life
Douglas Ahlstedt’s early career in music began at a young age when he sang in his first opera, portraying Miles in the U.S. premiere of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw in 1958. He had a significant influence on the performing arts as a professor of voice at Carnegie Mellon University from 1998 until 2020, shaping the talents of many students.
Career Highlights
Ahlstedt made his professional debut at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 1972, performing as the Boy in Ian Strasfogel’s production of Brecht and Weill’s The Yes Man. He also gained recognition by winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1973 and made waves in the operatic world with his performances, including his debut at the San Francisco Opera in the U.S. premiere of Gottfried von Einem’s Der Besuch der alten Dame.
Death and Legacy
Douglas Ahlstedt passed away on November 24, 2023, in Pittsburgh. His contributions to music and theater are remembered by many in the performing arts community. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the impact he had on his students at Carnegie Mellon University.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| L’italiana in Algeri | 1986-01-30 | Lindoro |
| Great Performances at the Met | 1977 | Various |
| Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria | 1985 | Various |
| Fra Diavolo | 1982 | Various |