Freni, Mirella (1935–)

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Freni, Mirella (1935–)

Italian lyric soprano. Born Mirella Fregni, Feb 27, 1935, in Modena, Italy; studied at Mantua and at Bologna Conservatory with Ettore Campogalliani; m. Leone Magiera; m. Nicolai Ghiaurov (bass), 1981.

Known for her performances of Handel and Mozart, made debut in Modena (1955), Covent Garden (1961), Teatro alla Scala (1962), Metropolitan Opera (1965); appeared at Salzburg (1966–72 and 1974–80); best known for her performance as Tatyana in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, was equally praised for performances of Verdi's Aïda.

See also Women in World History.