Title: Farewell to Entertainer Extraordinaire: Gunther Emmerlich
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the multi-talented entertainer, Gunther Emmerlich, has bid us adieu. The unfortunate news surfaced on Tuesday, at the tender age of 79, in the comfort of his Dresden home due to heart failure. Gunter Grebler, Emmerlich's long-time manager, broke the sad news to the German Press Agency on Wednesday.
Emmerlich's career was a beautiful tapestry of singing, directing, presenting, a foray into acting, and recently, diving into the realm of audio books. Born with dreams of becoming a pilot or navigator at sea in the quaint town of Eisenberg (Thuringia) in 1944, the determined bass chose an unexpected path that led him to the Franz Liszt University of Music in Weimar. He trained as a civil engineer before trading his compass for a microphone, turning his passion for opera singing into a thriving career.
Gunther Emmerlich's 'Showkolade' gave the West a run for its money
Recruited by the Dresden Opera's young talent studio in 1972, Emmerlich's talents began to shine. Shortly thereafter, he joined the ensemble and even delved into forming the Semper House Band with fellow musicians from the Staatskapelle in 1985. Emmerlich's charm and charisma soon moved him into the limelight and transformed him into a rival to the renowned "Wetten, dass...?" on West German television, with his popular and controversial mix of "glitter, contemporary criticism, and cabaret" in "Showkolade."
Rising to the top with "Nimm Dir Zeit," "Gunther und drüber," and "Zauberhafte Heimat," Emmerlich became a beloved figure on East and West German television screens. In 2008, he showcased his range as an opera singer at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, performing alongside the renowned opera singer Deborah Sasson. His musical repertoire incorporated a rich mix of genres, including church music, song cycles, arias, and duets, as well as Dixieland and swing.
Emmerlich continued to captivate audiences with his enchanting performances and lively presence over the years, making regular guest appearances on East German TV and earning numerous television accolades. According to a close friend, he was still in high spirits, participating in the recording of a Christmas concert just days before his heart failure.
Bid Emmerlich farewell on MDR
Emmerlich's final recorded performance is currently airing on MDR, providing viewers an opportunity to pay their last respects to the cherished entertainer. As his manager, Gunter Grebler, wrote, "Tonight, we can all gather around and say our goodbyes to him by watching his last broadcast on MDR.
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