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Rudolf BingTheatre figure of the 20th century
Date of Birth: 01.01.1902
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Musical Roots
- Rise in the Opera World
- Escape from Nazi Germany and Marriage
- Glyn Glyndebourne Festival and Founding Edinburgh Festival
- The Metropolitan Opera
- Knighthood and Retirement
- Alzheimer's Diagnosis and Final Days
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born in 1902 into an affluent Jewish family in Vienna, Sir Rudolf Bing grew up immersed in the city's vibrant musical scene. He pursued studies at the University of Vienna while working in humble positions at bookstores.
Rise in the Opera World
A stroke of luck led Bing to join an agency that organized concerts. His talents quickly gained recognition, leading him to become assistant manager of an opera house in Darmstadt and later, in 1931, at the Berlin Municipal Opera. Bing attributed his early success to his composure amidst the tumultuous times, which demanded a steady hand from young professionals.
Escape from Nazi Germany and Marriage
In 1934, Bing fled Nazi Germany to England. He had married Russian ballerina Nina Schelemska-Schlesna in 1928, and the couple remained together until her sudden death in 1983. By that time, both Bing and his wife had become British citizens.
Glyn Glyndebourne Festival and Founding Edinburgh Festival
In 1934, Bing played a crucial role in organizing the first Glyndebourne Festival in England. The following year, he became the festival's general manager, a position he held until 1949. During World War II, Bing worked in London department stores but eagerly seized the opportunity to return to the arts. He returned to Glyndebourne in 1944 and directed a children's theater. In 1946, Bing played a significant role in founding the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, serving as its artistic director.
The Metropolitan Opera
After observing his predecessor at the helm of the Metropolitan Opera, Edward Johnson, for a year, Bing took over the company in 1950. He ruled with an iron fist, famously stating, "Don't let the cold, hard, austere, severe exterior fool you. Inside there's a heart as brass." Bing's era at the Met coincided with the rise of air travel, which increased the mobility of performers. Unable to maintain a stable roster of singers, Bing compensated by emphasizing traditional productions and rejecting contemporary music and innovative directors. Notable premieres during his tenure included Barber's "Vanessa" (1958) and Marvin David Levy's "Mourning Becomes Electra" (1967).
Knighthood and Retirement
Queen Elizabeth II bestowed a knighthood upon Bing in 1971. He retired from the Met in 1972, briefly taught at Brooklyn College, authored two memoirs, and consulted for Columbia Artists Management.
Alzheimer's Diagnosis and Final Days
In 1987, Bing remarried at the age of 85 to 47-year-old Carroll Douglas. His family later discovered he had Alzheimer's disease and the marriage was annulled. Bing spent his remaining years in a nursing home and died in 1997 at the age of 95 from respiratory complications.
