Judith Mok: Tributes paid to renowned singer, vocal coach and writer

Tributes are continuing to pour in for Judith Mok, following the sad news of the acclaimed classical singer, vocal coach and writer's death this week.

Her passing was confirmed by her publisher, Antony Farrell of Lilliput Press, who stated in an online post that Judith "died on the morning of Monday 26th with her husband, writer Michael O'Loughlin, keeping vigil."

"She was a doughty soul and personality, who bore her cancer fearlessly," his statement continues.

Judith, who was born in Bergen in the Netherlands, had been living in Ireland for over two decades. After graduating from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague at a young age, she went on to perform in some of the world's most renowned opera houses.

As a vocal coach, she worked with and advised some of the biggest names in the Irish scene  – including Glen Hansard, Dermot Kennedy, The Script, Soda Blonde's Faye O'Rourke, Kodaline's Steve Harrigan, Loah, and Gemma Dunleavy  – as well as international stars like Grace Jones, Whitney Houston, and Thom Yorke.

In her literary career, she published four books of poetry, and three novels. In 2022, Lilliput Press published Judith's acclaimed memoir, The State of Dark, which powerfully explored the legacy of the Holocaust from the perspective of a Second Generation survivor.

The Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris – a contemporary arts centre described as 'Ireland's cultural flagship in Europe' – shared their own tribute to  their "dear friend" Judith on social media this week.

"Judith loved to stay at the CCI during her frequent visits with Michael to Paris, often performing as part of our programme (sometimes reading her poetry, and other times singing with her Iranian musicians, Glen Hansard or other artists to the Centre)," their post reads. "Judith was a remarkable woman, a force of life, a powerhouse, with incredible life experience. She was also incredibly impressive, a beautiful writer of prose and poetry, speaking numerous languages fluently, and a magnificent singer.

"But here at the CCI, a place where she felt very much at home, we saw her vulnerable, generous, humorous and loving side, and it is that in particular that we will miss enormously."

She is survived by her husband Michael and her daughter Sara.

You can read Judith Mok's 2021 Hot Press interview with Tanis Smither here.

See more tributes below:

 

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A post shared by The Ginger Man (@thegingerman222)

Very sorry to hear Judith Mok, the writer, singer and all round talented person has passed away. She was very encouraging of my work when I was starting off my poetry journey.

— Simon Lewis 👨🏻‍🎓🎙📌✍🏽 (@simonmlewis) November 26, 2024

The Kildare Readers Festival committee & all @kildarelibrary were saddened to hear that Judith Mok has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family.
📷Photograph of Judith speaking about her life, career and memoir as part of Sunday Sessions by @GHollandPhoto, 8 Oct 2023. pic.twitter.com/NWbT7hDBfr

— Kildare Readers Festival (@KildareReaders) November 26, 2024

All of us at the Munster Literature were saddened at the news of the passing of the poet Judith Mok.
Our thoughts are with her husband Michael O’Loughlin and daughter Saar. pic.twitter.com/XM0RPl6sC0

— Munster Literature Centre (@MunLitCentre) November 26, 2024