Mirella Freni

Mirella Freni

Italian singer (soprano)
Country: Italy

Content:
  1. Biography of Mirella Freni
  2. Success at La Scala
  3. Metropolitan Opera and Other Notable Performances
  4. Film Appearances and Recordings

Biography of Mirella Freni

Mirella Freni was born in 1935 in Italy. She is an Italian soprano singer. Freni made her debut in 1955 in Modena, performing the role of Micaela. Since 1959, she has sung on the leading stages of the world. In 1960, she performed the role of Zerlina in "Don Giovanni" at the Glyndebourne Festival, and in 1962, she played the role of Susanna. She regularly performed at Covent Garden from 1961, singing roles such as Zerlina, Nannetta in "Falstaff," Violetta, Marguerite, and others. In 1962, she played the role of Liu in Rome.

Success at La Scala

In 1963, Freni made her highly successful debut at La Scala, performing the role of Mimi under the direction of Karajan. She became a leading soloist at the theater. She also toured with the theater troupe in Moscow in 1974, playing the role of Amelia in Verdi's opera "Simon Boccanegra."

Metropolitan Opera and Other Notable Performances

Freni has been singing at the Metropolitan Opera since 1965, making her debut as Mimi. In 1973, she performed the role of Susanna in Versailles. Among her best roles are also Elisabeth in "Don Carlos" (1975 Salzburg Festival, 1977 La Scala, 1983 Metropolitan Opera), Cio-Cio-San, and Desdemona. In 1990, she played the role of Lisa at La Scala, and in 1991, she played the role of Tatiana in Turin. In 1993, Freni performed the title role in Giordano's "Fedora" at La Scala, and in 1994, she played the title role in "Adriana Lecouvreur" in Paris. In 1996, she performed at the centenary celebration of "La Boheme" in Turin.

Film Appearances and Recordings

Freni has also appeared in operatic films such as "La Boheme," "Madama Butterfly," and "La Traviata." She is considered one of the best singers of the second half of the 20th century. She has recorded the roles of Mimi and Cio-Cio-San with Karajan (Decca), as well as Elisabeth (EMI). Among her other recordings are Marguerite in Boito's "Mefistofele" (conductor Fabritiis, Decca) and Lisa (conductor Ozawa, RCA Victor).

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