site.btaRaina Kabaivanska, the Bulgarian Recognized as "the Most Italian of Singers," Turns 90

One of Bulgaria's cultural icons, opera diva Raina Kabaivanska, turned 90 on December 15. A household name in her country for decades, the soprano boasts a uniquely successful international career spanning more than 55 years. She has maintained intense cooperation with La Scala in Milan since 1961. By the mid-1970s, she was an international star. She won a faithful audience in Italy, the nation which gave the world the art of opera, thanks to her talent, repertoire and physical beauty.

On Wikipedia, Kabaivanska is introduced as "one of the leading lirico-spinto sopranos of her generation, particularly associated with Verdi and Puccini, although she sang a wide range of roles."

"There is something very Balkan about the way Raina Kabaivanska talks about herself," but "otherwise, she is the most Italian of singers," La Scala says on its website. Europe's preeminent opera house runs the transcript of a birthday interview with the singer, headlined "A Life with a Crown." It says: "Raina Kabaivanska, who turns 90 on December 15, looks back on her extraordinary career, from military choirs in Bulgaria to Beatrice di Tenda at La Scala with Joan Sutherland, always with the intelligence and irony for which her audiences know her."

It was no surprise that Kabaivanska was among the stars at the opening of La Scala's new season earlier this month.

The Bulgarian government wrote on its Facebook page on Sunday: "With profound respect, we extend our greetings and good wishes to the great Bulgarian opera singer Raina Kabaivanska on her jubilee. Her extraordinary contribution to the art of opera is unquestionable. With her imposing presence, unmatched stage prowess and unique voice, Kabaivanska conquered the world's top opera venues and won the hearts of loyal admirers. In her teaching career, Raina Kabaivanska has imparted in young talents a love of music for life."