Gianna Rolandi, an American soprano who brought effortless coloratura technique, bright sound and a vibrant stage presence to diverse roles over a 20-year international career, died on Sunday in Chicago. She was 68.

Her death, in a hospital, was announced by the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Rolandi had earlier been the director of the company’s Ryan Opera Centre, a training programme. No cause was specified. Her husband was the renowned British conductor Andrew Davis, who will step down on 30 June after nearly 21 years as music director and principal conductor of the Lyric Opera.