He made a discomfort in the middle of the performance. An Argentine artist died of a heart attack Friday night while performing on stage at the baroque festival of Ambronay (Ain), revealed Le Progrès. The show, broadcast by France Televisions on Culturebox, was interrupted and the public evacuated, said firefighters and organizers.
This is the Argentine baritone Alejandro Meerapfel, 54 years old. He had already performed many times in the Abbey Church of Ambronay. The ensemble Cappella Mediterranea and the Chamber Choir of Namur were on stage in the Abbey of Ambronay under the direction of the Argentine conductor Leonardo García Alarcón, when the artist was taken by a malaise.
The emergency services intervened and "a request for possible psychological care for the troop was transmitted to the center 15," says the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (Sdis).
An "angel on Earth"
"Yesterday, we lived the unthinkable, the unbearable," reacted the Cappella Mediterranea ensemble on social networks this Saturday, highlighting a "magnificent artist" with "such a beautiful and deep humanity". The ensemble sent its "most affectionate condolences to his wife and two children" as well as to all his loved ones.
Yesterday we experienced the unthinkable, the unbearable. Our friend Alejandro Meerapfel present from the foundations of...
Posted by Cappella Mediterranea on Saturday, September 23, 2023
"His sudden death leaves us in shock," wrote the management of the Ambronay Cultural Meeting Center in a statement, which said it was "upset by the death of a man of inestimable kindness and an artist whose exceptional modesty and talent will remain in our hearts."
His long-time companion, Argentine chef Leonardo García Alarcón, speaks of an "angel on earth." "Before the concert, his smile and good humor filled the souls of the entire artistic team and the Festival. We will miss him but he will be with us forever," he said.
The Ambronay Festival, which is one of the major European baroque events every year, is holding its 44th edition from 15 September to 8 October.
