Stoyanka Savova Nikolova (
Bulgarian: Стоянка Савова Николова), best known by her
stage nameElena Nicolai (
Bulgarian: Елена Николай) (24 January 1905 – 24 October 1993), was a
Bulgarian operatic
mezzo-soprano.[1]
Early life and training
Nicolai was born in the village of
Tzerovo, Pazardzhik, Bulgaria. She spent her childhood in another Bulgarian town,
Panagurishte. At the age of 19, she moved to Milan to study opera, first with Vincenzo Pintorno and later with
Ettore Pozzoli.[2]