A gifted bass and a passionate performer, Seth’s remarkable career spanned decades and included soloist roles at some of the most prestigious opera houses around the world.
His passing leaves a profound void not only in the artistic communities he touched but also in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Seth Malkin’s musical journey began early.
He graduated from Ursuline High School before going on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music and then at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music. These formative years shaped a voice and a spirit that would captivate audiences from Broadway stages to world-class opera houses.
Seth’s career as a professional opera singer was both diverse and distinguished. He served as a soloist with the Stadttheater Regensburg in Germany, the New York City Opera, and the Seattle Opera, where he gained widespread recognition for his rich bass voice and magnetic stage presence.
His artistry and professionalism eventually led him to join the Metropolitan Opera Chorus in 1996, where he would remain a treasured member of the company for over two decades.
During his tenure at the Met, Seth performed in hundreds of productions and covered over 220 solos — a testament to both his talent and reliability. He was frequently featured in dance scenes and had a unique ability to fuse classical technique with theatrical flair.
His background in musical theater and dance further enriched his performances, which included appearances on Broadway, at Madison Square Garden, and on a national tour. Few could match his versatility and passion for storytelling through music and movement.
Beyond the stage, Seth was beloved for his generosity of spirit. He was quick to volunteer for community outreach efforts, whether singing for underprivileged audiences, participating in educational panels, or leading masterclasses for aspiring vocalists.
He believed deeply in sharing his craft, and his joy for performance was infectious. Outside of his artistic life, Seth had a unique and vibrant personality. He was known for his wry sense of humor, self-deprecating humility, and deep emotional honesty.
He often described himself as a modern-day cowboy, a nod to his love for horseback riding and his Western flair, which occasionally surfaced in his cabaret performances in New York City. His friends and colleagues recall his ability to light up a room — whether with a story, a laugh, or a heartfelt performance.
The Metropolitan Opera released a moving tribute, noting,
“We will miss his talent, his wry sense of humor, his self-deprecating humility, and his willingness to display his emotions in person as well as on stage. Most of all, we will miss his presence in our lives.”
Seth is survived by his beloved wife, Thea Parraga, his brother, Michael, and a wide circle of family, friends, and artistic collaborators. His death is a tremendous loss to the artistic community, but his legacy lives on in the countless performances that moved audiences, the students he inspired, and the memories he created with those lucky enough to know him.
As New York’s stages dim their lights in his honor, the legacy of Seth Malkin — performer, teacher, cowboy, friend — will continue to echo wherever music, laughter, and sincerity take center stage. Rest in peace, Seth. Your voice and spirit will never be forgotten.
