arts
April 14, 2026
A Voice Heard Offstage: Dunja Vejzović and the Rab Controversy
The decision of renowned opera artist Dunja Vejzović to return the title of honorary citizen of the city of Rab has once again drawn public attention to her name, as well as to the rich international career of one of the most significant singers from the former Yugoslavia.
TL;DR
- Dunja Vejzović, a prominent Croatian opera artist, returned her honorary citizenship of Rab for moral reasons.
- She holds a distinguished international career as a mezzo-soprano and soprano, performing at major opera houses worldwide.
- Vejzović gained international acclaim in 1978 with her role in Wagner's "Parsifal" at the Bayreuth Festival.
- She collaborated with renowned conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Zubin Mehta.
- After her performing career, she transitioned to pedagogy, conducting masterclasses.
- The title was initially awarded for her contributions to the cultural life of the island of Rab.