Mirella Freni

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