Paul Plishka

Paul Plishka (August 28, 1941 – February 3, 2025) was an American operatic bass based at the Metropolitan Opera (Met) in New York City where he appeared first in 1967 and last in 2018, in 88 roles and 1672 performances. He also sang at leading houses internationally, a regular guest at La Scala in Milan and touring with the ensemble to Tokyo and Moscow. His voice was described as dark, rich, powerful and expressive. After years of small roles he performed leading roles, developing in Verdi's Don Carlos from a Monk to the Grand Inquisitor at the 1998 Salzburg Festival and Philip II of Spain. He chose the title role of Verdi's Falstaff for his 25th anniversary at the Met.