Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

October 24, 1905 in Cerevo, Bulgaria

Death

:

October 24, 1993 in Milan, Italy

Genre

:

Opera

 

Elena Nicolai was a renowned Italian mezzo-soprano who was born on October 23, 1905, in Barletta, Italy. She was born into a family of musicians, and her father was a well-known conductor. From a young age, Nicolai showed a keen interest in music and began taking singing lessons at the age of 14. Nicolai's talent was quickly recognized, and she made her professional debut in 1926 at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Italy. She went on to perform in various opera houses throughout Italy, including the Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. In 1935, Nicolai made her debut at the Royal Opera House in London, where she received critical acclaim for her performance in the role of Amneris in Verdi's Aida. This performance marked the beginning of Nicolai's international career, and she went on to perform in major opera houses throughout Europe and the United States. One of Nicolai's most notable performances was in the role of Carmen in Bizet's opera of the same name. She performed this role numerous times throughout her career, and it became one of her signature roles. Nicolai's portrayal of Carmen was praised for its sensuality and dramatic intensity. Nicolai also had a successful recording career, and she recorded numerous albums throughout her career. Her recordings of Carmen and Amneris are considered to be some of the best recordings of these roles. Throughout her career, Nicolai received numerous awards and honors. In 1951, she was awarded the title of "Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic" for her contributions to Italian culture. She was also awarded the "Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic" in 1961. Nicolai retired from performing in 1965, but she continued to teach singing until her death in 1993. She was known for her dedication to her students and for her ability to inspire them to reach their full potential. In conclusion, Elena Nicolai was a talented mezzo-soprano who had a successful career in opera and recording. Her performances in roles such as Carmen and Amneris are still considered to be some of the best recordings of these roles. Nicolai's dedication to her students and her contributions to Italian culture have left a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

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