Lithuanian leaders convey condolence over passing of tenor Noreika

President Dalia Grybauskaitė said Noreika who passed away on Saturday was one of the most outstanding cultural personalities of the past century, "a talent that cherished every member of the audience and managed to touch every heart."

"The unparalleled tenor of Noreika will always stay with us, it sounded in Lithuania and worldwide, representing the best traditions of opera and chamber vocals, as well as the top culture," the president said in her message of condolences.

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said Lithuania had lost "a genius singer who promoted our country on the grand stages of the world."

Noreika passed away in early hours of Saturday at the age of 82.