Associate Professor of Voice Deborah Lifton passed away on Sunday, January 5, with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer since the summer of 2023.
Deborah joined The Hartt School faculty as a visiting associate professor of voice in 2018, was named associate professor in 2022, and was appointed director of the vocal studies program in July 2023.
“In her relatively short time with us, Deborah made a profound impact on our school and its community,” states Hartt School Dean Dale Merrill. “Her positive influence and dedication to her students and colleagues will leave an everlasting legacy.”
In 2022, Deborah performed as a backup singer for Michael Buble's Higher Tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In addition, she performed at the Greve Opera Festival in Greve, Italy, and took on the leading role of Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus at The Bushnell in Hartford.
She was described as being one of today’s most compelling performers of contemporary American opera and song. “Her high notes were thrilling, her diction clear, and her concentration never wavered," wrote the New York Concert Review of Deborah’s debut recital at New York’s Merkin Hall.
Deborah's service will be held on Thursday, January 9, at 12:30 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home in Avon, Connecticut, and will also be livestreamed. In accordance with the Jewish faith, the family has requested that flowers not be sent. Instead, a scholarship fund has been established in Deborah's name for those who wish to contribute.
A celebration of Deborah's life and her contributions to The Hartt School will be held at a later date. More information about Deborah’s celebration of life and her scholarship fund will follow.