Farewell to Mirjana Irosch: A legend of the Vienna Volksoper

Farewell to Mirjana Irosch: A legend of the Vienna Volksoper

The world of operetta has lost one of its most bright stars. Mirjana Irosch, an outstanding artist and honorary member of the Vienna Volksoper, died on Wednesday, one day before her 85th birthday. This was announced in a message from the opera house. With over 1,400 appearances in an impressive career of 42 years, it is an integral part of the Viennese cultural scene and remains unforgettable in the hearts of many fans.

The People's Opera said in its press release sadly about the loss of the "lovable, particularly collegial singer and great artist". Their unforgettable representation of the Rosalinde from the "bat", which she sang 196 times, was particularly emphasized - a performance that underlines the testimony of her bond with the operetta and her talent.

from the beginning to the Volksoper

Mirjana Irosch was born in Croatia on October 24, 1939 and completed her singing studies in Zagreb. Her first engagement took place in Linz in 1962, followed by stays in Ulm and Bern before she entered the famous Volksoper in Vienna in 1967, where she appeared as one of the most prominent faces until her retirement.

A formative chapter in Irosch's life is her artistic partnership with the actor and singer Harald Serafin. From her first premiere as Jilka in Zoltan Kodaly's opera "Hary Janos" in 1967, a personal band was created from the professional connection. Together they carried the title of the "Dream couple of the operetta". After the birth of the daughter, who also became a singer, Irosch carried out the change from the mezzo to the soprano.

1984 she celebrated great success with her role as a musette in Puccini's "Boheme", followed by other important games such as the Marta in "Tiefland" and the women's figures Antonia and Giulietta from "Hoffmann's stories". Especially in the operetta she shone in roles such as the "funny widow" or as a Lisa in the "land of smile".

The artist received the award as an Austrian chamber singer in 1981 and was honored in 1993 with the silver honor of the city of Vienna, which shows her important contribution to the music scene.

a life on stage

her artistic work not only led her on the stage of the Volksoper, but also on numerous tours that she led to Japan and the USA, among other things. Irosch was very busy: she gave concerts, took part in radio and television programs, published Platten and was a guest at the renowned Salzburg Festival and the Sea Festival in Mörbisch.

Even after her great time at the Volksoper, Irosch remained closely connected to the Mörbian stage operation. Under the directorate of Serafin, she played in numerous Kálmán productions, including "Countess Mariza" and "The Csardasian". Despite the withdrawal from the big stage, she was still active and appreciated her collaboration with the Volksoper, who gave her honorary membership - an award that is reminiscent of exceptional and long -term services to the house.

Mirjana Irosch's death is a serious loss for the world of music, a subsequent sound of a former size that will also be resolved in the coming generations.