Ileana Cotrubaș, legendary Romanian soprano, dies at 87

Renowned Romanian operatic soprano Ileana Cotrubaș has passed away at the age of 87. Her death was announced by the National Opera of Bucharest.

Born in Galați, Romania, Cotrubaș began her musical journey at age nine in a children’s radio choir. After studying in Bucharest, she achieved international acclaim through victories at vocal competitions in 's-Hertogenbosch and Munich. Her career was defined by performances at the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Vienna State Opera, La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.

One of her most celebrated career moments occurred in 1975 at La Scala, when she stepped in at the last minute to replace Mirella Freni in the role of Mimì in ‘La Bohème’. She was highly regarded for her dramatic intelligence and vocal purity, particularly in roles such as Violetta, Mimì, and Pamina.

In recognition of her contributions to music, she was named an Austrian Kammersängerin and became an honorary member of the Vienna State Opera. Following her retirement from the stage in 1990, she dedicated herself to teaching and pedagogy.