Cigna, Gina (1900–2001)

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Cigna, Gina (1900–2001)

French-Italian coloratura soprano. Name variations: Genevieve Cigna; Genoveffa Sens; Ginette Sens. Born Mar 6, 1900, in Angères, France; died June 26, 2001, in Milan, Italy; dau. of a general in the French army; studied at Paris Conservatory with Emma Calvé, Darclée, and Storchio; m. Maurice Sens (French opera singer), 1923.

Debuted under name Genoveffa Sens at Teatro alla Scala, singing there every season thereafter under her own name (1929–43); debuted at Metropolitan Opera as Aïda (1937); abandoned singing career after an automobile accident (1947); became a voice teacher and taught at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, Canada (1953–57).

See also Women in World History.

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