Celebrated Russian mezzo soprano Elena Obraztsova has died at the age of 75.

The singer, who has performed on some of the world’s most famous opera stages including La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York and London’s Covent Garden, died in a clinic in Germany after a long illness according to her charitable foundation.

She notably won acclaim in the role of Carmen opposite Placido Domingo.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented his condolences to her relatives and fans.