In Loving Memory of Seth Malkin – A Towering Talent, A Gentle Soul, A Legacy That Will Never Fade
NEW YORK, NY — The world of performing arts is dimmer today following the heartbreaking news of the passing of Seth Malkin, a gifted vocalist, actor, dancer, and digital creator whose talents transcended stages, genres, and borders. Seth’s life was a symphony of passion, brilliance, and humanity—an opus now echoed in the hearts of all who were moved by his voice, his presence, and his enduring spirit.
Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Seth found his way to the world’s greatest stages through dedication, natural talent, and an irrepressible love of performance. He made his home in New York City, where his artistry bloomed and where he became an integral part of the vibrant theatrical and operatic communities that define the city’s cultural heartbeat.
A classically trained bass-baritone, Seth earned degrees from two of the nation’s most respected conservatories: the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music. With a voice described as both resonant and commanding, he was an unforgettable presence in the world of opera, delivering performances that earned acclaim and admiration at prestigious houses such as the New York City Opera, Seattle Opera, and Stadttheater Regensburg in Germany.
But perhaps his most beloved and widely remembered operatic work came as a cherished member of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, where Seth’s voice and personality became inseparable from the soaring collective spirit of one of the most elite vocal ensembles in the world. Colleagues recall his dignity, humor, and commitment, both on and off stage.
His talents, however, extended beyond opera and into Broadway and musical theater, where his versatility and stage presence shone just as brightly. In a career-defining moment, legendary director Hal Prince selected Seth to play the Lion in the revival of Candide—a casting choice that proved unforgettable. Towering in both stature and charisma, Seth’s portrayal of the Lion delighted audiences and critics alike, with his booming voice and magnetic performance anchoring one of the production’s most cherished moments.
Despite his powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Seth was never one to chase the spotlight for ego’s sake. He was as kind backstage as he was captivating in performance. He was known to share wisdom with younger artists, to lift the spirits of castmates with a joke or a song, and to greet everyone—famous or unknown—with the same warmth and respect.
Casting director Arnold Mungioli remembered him fondly as someone who brought a “wildly expressive personality” to every performance and an even deeper sincerity to every personal interaction. Fellow performer and friend Eric Benjamin Gordon described him poetically, saying Seth was “like that perfect combination of rain to nourish the ground and sun to warm it up again.”
Seth’s creative energies weren’t limited to the stage. As a digital creator, he explored new ways of storytelling and connection, bringing his rich imagination to emerging mediums. He was a regular at Woody Regan’s Workshop, where he found joy and shared it freely—often picking up a guitar, letting loose a laugh, and filling the room with his unmistakable energy.
Seth Malkin lived his life with authenticity, courage, and soul-deep compassion. He understood the power of art to heal, to uplift, and to unify. His voice may no longer ring from opera halls or Broadway stages, but it lives on in recordings, in memories, and most of all, in the countless hearts he touched.
To his family, friends, colleagues, and audiences: we join you in mourning this immeasurable loss. We also join you in celebrating a life so vibrantly lived. The curtain has fallen, but Seth’s final bow echoes with the applause of every soul he inspired.
Rest in peace, Seth Malkin. Your song may have ended, but your melody remains.
