Acclaimed German singer Thomas Guasthoff has announced his retirement as he battles declining health.
The bass-baritone is calling it quits after more than 40 years in the business.
Releasing a statement to the Associated Press on Thursday (12Jan12), he says, "My health no longer allows me to live up the high standard that I have always set for my art and myself."
The Grammy Award-winning opera star will continue working as a voice professor.