Country

:

Croatia

Birth

:

May 17, 1906 in Zagreb, Croatia

Death

:

May 30, 1989 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Zinka Milanov was a renowned Croatian-American soprano who was widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Born on May 17, 1906, in Zagreb, Croatia, Milanov showed an early interest in music and began singing in her local church choir at a young age. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Milanov received her formal training at the Zagreb Conservatory, where she studied under the renowned Italian soprano, Milka Ternina. She made her professional debut in 1927 at the Zagreb Opera, where she performed the role of Leonora in Verdi's "Il Trovatore." Her performance was well-received, and she quickly established herself as one of the leading sopranos in Europe. In 1937, Milanov made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she performed the role of Leonora in "Il Trovatore." Her performance was a huge success, and she was immediately offered a contract with the company. Milanov went on to become one of the most celebrated singers in the history of the Metropolitan Opera, performing in over 450 performances over the course of her career. Milanov's voice was known for its rich, warm tone and its ability to convey a wide range of emotions. She was particularly renowned for her performances of Verdi's operas, including "Aida," "La Traviata," and "Otello." Milanov was also known for her performances of Puccini's "Tosca" and "Madama Butterfly," as well as Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde." Throughout her career, Milanov received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1955, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and in 1961, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President John F. Kennedy. Milanov was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1966. Milanov retired from the Metropolitan Opera in 1966, but she continued to perform in concerts and recitals for several years. She also taught voice at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she mentored several young singers who went on to become successful performers in their own right. Zinka Milanov passed away on May 30, 1989, at the age of 83. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, and her contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated and admired by music lovers around the world.

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