The Soprano Who Graced the World’s Biggest Stages
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Loading... - Hannele Kivi
- 27 Feb 2025
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Srebrenka (Sena) Jurinac stands as one of Croatia’s most celebrated opera singers, a soprano whose remarkable talent and refined musicality captivated audiences on the world’s most prestigious stages. Her legacy is now honored with a commemorative postage stamp, a tribute to a voice that left an indelible mark on the opera scene.
Who Was Sena Jurinac?
Born on October 24, 1921, in Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Srebrenka Jurinac emerged as a leading figure in the world of opera. She studied at the Academy of Music in Zagreb under the guidance of Marija Kostrenčić. Even as a student, she made her mark by performing at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK), where her talent quickly garnered attention.
Jurinac’s career took off with her standout performance in the title role of Boris Papandopulo’s opera Sunčanica during its premiere in 1942, conducted by the composer himself. Her early success led to a role in the film Lisinski in 1943, directed by Oktavijan Miletić. In 1944, she achieved a significant milestone by auditioning for the Vienna State Opera, where she would remain until her retirement in 1982.
Throughout her illustrious career, Jurinac performed on some of the grandest stages in the world, including Milan’s La Scala, the Paris Opera, and London’s Covent Garden. She also graced opera houses in Brussels, Zurich, San Francisco, Chicago, Buenos Aires, and Sydney, as well as festivals in Edinburgh, Glyndebourne, Florence, Bayreuth, and Wiesbaden. At the Vienna State Opera, she interpreted a wide range of soprano roles, transitioning from lyrical to dramatic performances with grace and skill.
Jurinac collaborated with many of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, including Lovro von Matačić, Herbert von Karajan, and Wilhelm Furtwängler. One of her notable performances was as Cherubino in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Salzburg Festival, conducted by Karajan.
Her final major performance in Croatia took place in 1978 at the Varaždin Baroque Evenings, where she performed an aria from Handel’s Giulio Cesare, marking a poignant farewell to her homeland.
A Legacy of Recognition
The journey to honor Sena Jurinac has not been without its challenges. Efforts to commemorate her contributions to music have faced skepticism and doubt. However, with the support of Dr. Marijan Brajinović, a postage stamp was issued in April 2024, designed by Sabina Rešić, celebrating her legacy.
In addition to the stamp, there are ongoing efforts to name streets after her in her birthplace of Travnik and in Zagreb, although these initiatives have encountered obstacles. Interestingly, Jurinac already has a street named in her honor in Vienna, highlighting a disparity in recognition between the two cities.
The pursuit of recognition for Jurinac’s contributions reflects a broader desire to celebrate Croatian cultural heritage. As noted by musicologist Erika Krpan, the determination to honor such a significant figure in opera is fueled by faith, persistence, and a deep appreciation for her artistry.
Srebrenka (Sena) Jurinac’s legacy as one of Croatia’s greatest opera singers continues to resonate, inspiring future generations of musicians and opera lovers. Her remarkable journey from a young talent in Travnik to an international star serves as a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft. As Croatia honors her memory through initiatives like the commemorative postage stamp, it is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of its cultural icons.
