We saw James Schwabacher once, at his debut recital series, which he endowed in perpetuity, and where he introduced the singers. He was 86 yo, but still had the quick wit of a much younger man, cracking jokes about the announcement he had to make (basically, move that BMW blocking a driveway) and playfully offering to sing a duet with another MC. Obviously, he was still having a blast listening to new singers, and helping them with their careers. We wish we too can find a passion with such a fire that it will still be with us when we turn 86.

Picture by Kristen Loken, courtesy of SF Opera, with from left to right, Caryn Marlowe, Andriana Chuchman, Jessica Vanderhoof, Daniel Billings, Kyle Albertson, and David Portillo.