Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Biserka Cvejic was a renowned Serbian mezzo-soprano and opera singer, born on May 13, 1923, in Belgrade, Serbia. She was one of the most prominent classical music artists of the 20th century, known for her powerful voice, exceptional musicality, and captivating stage presence. Cvejic's musical journey began at a young age when she started taking piano lessons. However, it was her singing talent that caught the attention of her music teacher, who encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She went on to study at the Belgrade Music Academy, where she received vocal training from renowned teachers such as Ljubica Maric and Milka Stojanovic. Cvejic made her professional debut in 1946, at the age of 23, in the role of Maddalena in Verdi's Rigoletto at the National Theatre in Belgrade. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she quickly became a rising star in the opera world. She went on to perform in numerous productions in Serbia and other parts of Europe, including Italy, Germany, and Austria. One of Cvejic's most notable performances was in the role of Amneris in Verdi's Aida, which she performed at the Salzburg Festival in 1957. Her performance was widely praised, and it marked the beginning of her international career. She went on to perform in other major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and La Scala in Milan. Cvejic was known for her versatility as a singer, and she performed a wide range of roles in various operas. Some of her most notable performances include the roles of Carmen in Bizet's Carmen, Azucena in Verdi's Il trovatore, and Klytämnestra in Strauss's Elektra. She was also known for her performances of Serbian folk songs, which she often incorporated into her concerts. Throughout her career, Cvejic received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1961, she was awarded the Order of Merit for Culture by the Yugoslav government, and in 1972, she was awarded the Order of the Star of Italy by the Italian government. She was also a recipient of the Golden Plaque of the City of Belgrade, the highest honor awarded by the city. Cvejic retired from performing in 1980, but she continued to be involved in the world of music as a teacher and mentor to young singers. She taught at the Belgrade Music Academy and the University of Arts in Belgrade, where she inspired and influenced generations of young musicians. Biserka Cvejic passed away on November 14, 2020, at the age of 97. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century, and her contributions to the world of classical music will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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