Destinn, Emmy

views updated May 23 2018

Destinn, Emmy [ Kittl, Ema] (b Prague, 1878; d C̆eskĕ Budĕjovice, 1930). Cz. soprano. Trained as violinist but her vocal prowess was noticed and she studied with Marie Loewe-Destinn, whose name she adopted. Début Berlin Kroll Opera 1898 (Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana) repeating role 2 months later at Court Opera where she remained until 1908. Sang at CG 1904–14 and 1919, and NY Met 1908–16 and 1919–21. Senta in first Bayreuth Fliegende Holländer, 1901; Diemut in Feuersnot 1901 and first Berlin Salome 1906. First Butterfly at CG 1905 (with Caruso) and Tatyana in Eugene Onegin 1906. Created role of Minnie in La fanciulla del West 1910. In 1914–18 war adopted name Ema Destinnová; was interned on her Bohem. estate for duration because of her sympathy with Cz. national movt. Returned to Met and CG 1919 as Aida. Retired from stage 1926 but sang in London at concert cond. by Wood in 1928.

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