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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Thursday, 28.03.2024, 09:32

Latvian opera star Karlis Zarins is dead

BC, Riga, 24.09.2015.Print version

The magnificent voice of tenor Karlis Zarins (born 1930) will now forever remain on recordings, and in the memories of those lucky enough to have heard him live, as he went the way of all flesh today after lengthy illness, informs LETA.

 

Tall in stature, Zarins possessed a powerful vocal instrument, at once thrilling, lilting and pleasing to the ear. It was said that he performed practically anything and everything with utmost ease.

 

A graduate of the Latvian State Conservatory, he joined the Latvian National Opera (LNO) company in 1960, became a soloist and soon rose to stardom, in his career singing all the major leading tenor roles.

 

It is also said that were it not for the Iron Curtain, Zarins would have undoubtedly experienced even greater stardom worldwide.

 

Zarins also graced the concert stage, later became a vocal coach and professor of music, and headed the LNO company 1990-91.

 

His voice was unusually durable and time only honed its quality; he sang roles on the LNO stage up to 2006.

 

The National Opera has already scheduled his funeral. Last respects can be paid on the stage where Zarins sang his greatest roles to much success, next Tuesday, September 29, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Forest Cemetery (I).





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