Olczewska, Maria

views updated

Olczewska, Maria [ Berchtenbreitner, Marie] (b Ludwigsschwaige, nr. Donauwörth, 1892; d Klagenfurt, 1969). Ger. mezzo-soprano. Began career in operetta. Opera début Crefeld 1917 (Page in Tannhäuser). Heard by Nikisch, who engaged her for Leipzig Opera 1917–20. Hamburg Opera 1920–3 (creating Brigitte in Die tote Stadt, 1920), Vienna 1921–3, Munich 1923–5. Member of Vienna State Opera 1925–30, being a notable Oktavian in Der Rosenkavalier. Sang at CG 1924–32, Chicago Opera 1928–32, NY Met 1933–5. Prof., Vienna Acad. 1947–9. Fine Wagnerian singer.