farewell performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "farewell performance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a final show or presentation before someone departs or retires. For example, "The actor's farewell performance was met with a standing ovation." Alternative expressions include "final performance" and "last performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. O'Brien originated the role in 1974 and performed it for years afterward — including at his farewell performance, on Feb. 8, 1991.

The New York Times - Arts

He began his poem "Farewell Performance": "Art.

The New York Times - Books

Then she outlined the program for her farewell performance.

The New Yorker

Longtime NYCB principal dancer Charles Askegard gave a farewell performance in October.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Talk story about the farewell performance of opera star Beverly Sills.

The New Yorker

It turns out to be a farewell performance in the bleakest sense.

The Guardian - Books

"I never really thought about it," Coleman said of his farewell performance.

The New York Times - Sports

I saw their farewell performance when they left England for the south of France.

The Guardian - Music

But there's still a sense that this is a farewell performance.

The Guardian - Music

Domingo would have been ­making his farewell performance as a tenor.

The Guardian - Music

The fall season will also include a farewell performance by the principal dancer Charles Askegard on Oct. 9.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase is particularly effective in journalism and biographies to signal the transition from active performance to retirement.

Common error

Do not use phrases like "final farewell performance" because "farewell" already implies the event is the last one. Using both words creates a tautology that can make your writing feel repetitive and unpolished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "farewell performance" functions as a compound noun phrase, where "farewell" acts as an attributive noun modifying "performance". In the many examples provided by Ludwig, it typically serves as the direct object of verbs like "gave", "sang", or "marked".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "farewell performance" is a robust and highly reliable expression used to mark the final public display of a professional's skill before retirement. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a Correct and Very common phrase, supported by a wealth of examples from top-tier sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. It is most frequently found in the context of the performing arts—such as opera, ballet, and theater—but it also translates well to sports and public life. Writers should favor this phrase when they want to convey the emotional weight and historical importance of a final appearance, ensuring they avoid redundant modifiers like "final" to maintain a sharp and professional prose style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final performance

Uses a more literal adjective to describe the end of a series.

swan song

Employs a metaphorical idiom often used for a final creative work or appearance.

valedictory performance

Increases the level of formality and implies a speech or gesture of bidding farewell.

last appearance

Broadens the scope to include any public sighting or role beyond just a performance.

closing show

Focuses specifically on the theatrical or event-based nature of the ending.

retirement concert

Specifies the professional status change and the musical nature of the event.

goodbye recital

Uses a softer noun and a synonym for farewell often found in intimate settings.

concluding act

Implies a structured end to a broader narrative or theatrical piece.

ultimate appearance

Emphasizes the definitive end of a career path.

departure show

Focuses on the act of leaving rather than the act of saying goodbye.

FAQs

What is another way to say "farewell performance"?

You can use synonyms like "final performance" for a literal description or "swan song" for a more poetic and idiomatic tone.

Is "farewell performance" formal enough for a biography?

Yes, it is highly appropriate. For an even more elevated tone, you might consider "valedictory performance".

How do I use "farewell performance" in a sentence?

A typical example would be: "The legendary soprano gave her "farewell performance" at the Metropolitan Opera last night to a standing ovation."

Can "farewell performance" be used outside of the arts?

While most common in music and dance, it is often applied to sports stars or public figures, such as a "farewell appearance" on the field or in a political arena.