Six months ago, while battling a brain tumour, Dmitri Hvorostovsky belted out this incredible Verdi

22 November 2017, 09:56 | Updated: 22 November 2017, 13:13

As the opera world mourns the great Russian bass-baritone, we’re remembering him with this extraordinary moment from just a few months ago

This morning, the family of Dmitri Hvorostovsky announced the passing of the singer, aged 55. The Russian bass-baritone had been battling a malignant brain tumour for several years.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, an obituary

With the power and emotion of his voice, renowned for his portrayal of Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, Verdi and Russian song, he commanded the greatest opera stages and concert halls of the world.

In May this year, while battling the brain tumour, Hvorostovsky returned to New York to make a surprise appearance at the Metropolitan Opera Gala. He walked on stage unannounced, in his trademark black suit and treated the audience to ‘Cortigiani, vil razza dannata’ from Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Read more: This performance shows exactly why Dmitri Hvorostovsky was one of the all-time greats

The ovation and the performance is just extraordinary. After the performance, the great baritone wipes away a tear.

Thank you for the music, Dmitri. There’s not a dry eye in our house either.