Sena Jurinac Dead: Celebrated Viennese Opera Singer Dies at 90

Sena Jurinas, a Vienna State Opera singer famous for her pivotal role in 'The Marriage of Figaro' as Cherubino, has passed away at 90, the Associated Press reports. Jurinac's most famous performances were in the 1940s and '50s for the Vienna Opera.

Born in Yugoslavia in 1921, the talented singer honed her operatic craft at the academy of music in Zagreb, Croatia before debuting in Austria's capital. Jurinas performed in 'The Marriage of Figaro' for the Vienna Opera's first production after World War II as Cherubino.

She would go on to play the character 129 times while singing in other pieces such as 'Don Giovanni,' 'Der Rosenkavalier' and 'La Boheme.' She remains as one of Vienna's most celebrated sopranos.

"We are mourning the loss of a legendary artist who shaped not only the Vienna State Opera but also the entire opera world," director Dominique Meyer has said in a press release. Sena Jurinac died at her home near Augsburg, Germany on Wednesday (Nov. 23).

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