The legendary Croatian soprano Zinka Kunc Milanov (1906-1989) is considered one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of the 20th century. (The surname Kunc most likely originates from the region of Styria, now border between Slovenia and Austria.) She made her debut as Leonora in Verdi's Trovatore at the Ljubljana Opera on October 29, 1927 as Zinka Vilfan-Kunc. In 1937 she was engaged at the New York Metropolitan Opera, where she sang until 1966 and was the leading dramatic soprano. Her famous roles were Aida, Leonora, Tosca, Norma and Gioconda. In her recitals, accompanied by her brother, the composer and pianist Božidar Kunc, she included Slovenian songs as well.