Zinka Milanov

Zinka Milanov was a Croatian operatic dramatic soprano who had a major career centered on the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. After finishing her education in Zagreb, Milanov made her debut in 1927 in Ljubljana as Leonora in Giuseppe Verdi's Il Trovatore. From 1928 to 1936, she was the leading soprano of the Croatian National Theatre. In 1937, Milanov performed at the Metropolitan Opera for the first time, where she continued to sing until 1966. She also performed as a concert singer and was a noted vocal coach and teacher. Milanov is the sister of the composer and pianist Božidar Kunc.

17 May 1906

Born on the same birth day (17 May): Antonio Aguilar • Bill Paxton • Caroline of Brunswick • Channing Frye • Dave Sim • Guido Pella • Hans Ruesch • Jeremy Vine • Mose Masoe • Sugar Ray Leonard • Tony Roche

Born in the same month (May 1906): Alfred Pellan • André Weil • Antonio Rosario Mennonna • Arturo Uslar Pietri • Bruce Bennett • Bruno Gröning • Buddhadasa • Ernie McCormick • Giuseppe Siri • Harry Hibbs (footballer) • Henry Thambiah • Horst Schumann • Margret Rey • Mary Astor • Roberto Rossellini • T. H. White