Opera star Eva Likova dies

Former international opera star Eva Likova has died at the age of 84.

The Czech-born soprano died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease in suburban Detroit on March 15, the University of Michigan, where Likova was professor emeritus, said last night.

Likova graduated from the State Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and Music in Prague and performed with the New York City Opera. She was also a guest performer for opera companies and orchestras in major European cities, as well as in Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia.

She participated in operatic productions for US television in the early 1950s, including leading roles in I Pagliacci, La Traviata, Carmen, La Boheme and others.

In 1966, Likova joined the University of Michigan School of Music and taught young singers until her retirement in 1983. She later taught privately in New York and Philadelphia.

She leaves a daughter, Wendy Baca.

A memorial service will be held in May or June at the University of Michigan School of Music in Ann Arbor.