Birth

:

October 6, 1887 in Brünn, Austria

Death

:

July 10, 1982 in Orange, NJ

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

Maria Jeritza was a renowned Czech-American soprano who was born on October 6, 1887, in Brno, Moravia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. She was born to a family of musicians, and her father was a well-known conductor and composer. Jeritza showed an early interest in music and began singing at a young age. She received her formal training at the Vienna Conservatory, where she studied under the tutelage of the famous soprano, Selma Kurz. Jeritza made her operatic debut in 1910 at the Dresden Opera, where she sang the role of Elsa in Richard Wagner's Lohengrin. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a rising star in the opera world. She went on to perform in several other major European opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera, the Berlin State Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. In 1921, Jeritza made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she sang the role of Tosca in Giacomo Puccini's opera of the same name. Her performance was a huge success, and she quickly became one of the most popular and sought-after sopranos in the United States. She went on to perform at the Met for over 15 years, singing in a wide range of operas, including Carmen, La Bohème, and Salome. Jeritza was known for her powerful voice, dramatic stage presence, and stunning beauty. She was often compared to the legendary soprano, Maria Callas, and was considered one of the greatest sopranos of her time. Her performances were known for their emotional intensity and dramatic flair, and she was particularly renowned for her interpretations of the roles of Tosca and Salome. In addition to her successful career as an opera singer, Jeritza also made several recordings and appeared in several films. She was known for her glamorous lifestyle and was often seen at high-society events and parties. She was also a fashion icon, and her elegant style and sophisticated taste were widely admired. Throughout her career, Jeritza received numerous awards and honors. In 1927, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a singer in Austria. She was also awarded the Order of the Star of Romania and the Order of the Crown of Italy for her contributions to the arts. Jeritza retired from the stage in 1935, but she continued to be involved in the opera world as a teacher and mentor to young singers. She taught at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School in New York City, and many of her students went on to have successful careers in opera. Maria Jeritza passed away on July 10, 1982, at the age of 94. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, and her contributions to the world of opera continue to be celebrated and admired to this day.

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