Opera Santa Barbara is proud to lend its voice to the tributes pouring in for the extraordinary Michael Towbes, who died early yesterday at age 87.

“Michael will be greatly missed by Opera Santa Barbara,” said Board Chair Nancy M. Golden. “His loyal, enthusiastic, and generous support over so many years enabled OSB to grow from a small opera company to one that mounts productions of the highest artistic quality on the stage of the beautiful Granada Theatre, which he was also instrumental in renovating and supporting. His passing is a huge loss for all of Santa Barbara. Our thoughts are with Anne and his family.”

Here’s a charming video retrospective on the life and impact of this amazing man: