Mirella Freni was an Italian soprano who is best known for her roles as Mimì in “La Bohème,” Cio-Cio-San in “Madame Butterfly,” and Micaëla in “Carmen.” Born on February 27, 1935, in Modena, Italy, she became one of the world’s most celebrated opera singers.
Personal and Family Life
Mirella Freni was born to a barber and civil servant father and a mother who worked in a tobacco factory. She was married twice, first to Leone Magiera, with whom she had one child, Micaela Magiera, and later to Nicolai Ghiaurov until his death in 2004. Her family background contributed to her success in music and opera.
Career Highlights
Freni made her operatic debut in Modena. She gained international fame after performing at Milan’s La Scala, playing Mimì in “La Bohème.” Her remarkable talent also led her to debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she reprised her acclaimed role.
Death and Legacy
Mirella Freni passed away on February 9, 2020, in Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, due to a stroke. She left a lasting legacy in the world of opera, known for her powerful voice and numerous acclaimed performances. Her contributions to the arts continue to inspire aspiring musicians and singers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La Bohème | 1988-01-01 | Mimì |
| La Bohème | 1965-01-16 | Mimi |
| Le nozze di Figaro | 1975-01-01 | Susanna |
| Bizet Carmen | 1967-01-01 | Micaëla |
| Madama Butterfly | 1974-09-14 | Cio-Cio-San |
| Fedora | 1997-04-26 | Fedora Romazov |
| Adriana Lecouvreur | 1989-06-02 | Adriana Lecouvreur |
| Verdi Don Carlo | 1983-07-28 | Elisabeth de Valois |
| Verdi Ernani | 1982-07-28 | Elvira |
| Falstaff | 1993-01-01 | Alice Ford |
| Verdi: Simon Boccanegra | 1978-10-27 | Amelia Grimaldi |
| Karajan—Schönheit wie ich sie sehe | 2008-05-10 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Metropolitan Opera Centennial Gala | 1983-01-01 | Herself |
| Otello | 1973-05-21 | Desdemona |
| A Christmas Celebration: Send Round the Song | 1992-12-01 | Singer |
| The Berliner Philharmoniker’s New Year’s Eve Concert: 1998 | 1998-12-31 | Self – Soprano |
| Verdi: Otello | 1976-07-12 | Desdemona |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Aida |
| Lieder, Arien und Geschichten | 1964-05-11 | Self |
| Le Grand Échiquier | 1972-01-12 | Self |