Bulgarian opera star dies

Nicolai Ghiaurov, the Bulgarian-born opera singer who became one of the great basses of the post-war era, has died in Italy of a heart attack.

Ghiaurov, 74, who specialised in late 19th-century works and often performed with his wife, the Italian soprano Mirella Freni, died yesterday at Hesperia Hospital clinic near their home in Modena.

“With the passing of Nicolai Ghiaurov, the world of music has lost a giant,” tenor Placido Domingo (pictured) said. “For me he was the last great bass for Verdi operas in history,” added fellow opera singer Carlo Bergonzi, who performed with Ghiaurov in many of the great opera houses.