Sembrich, Marcella

views updated May 21 2018

Sembrich, Marcella [ Kochánská, Prakseda Marcelina] (b Wiśniewczyk, 1858; d NY, 1935). Polish-born soprano (Amer. cit). Child pianist and violinist. Liszt urged her to study singing. Début Athens 1877 (Elvira in I Puritani). Dresden Opera 1878–80; CG début 1880, returning each season to 1884 and in 1895. NY Met début 1883 (the night after the th. opened). Member of Met co. 1898–1909. Sang in concerts to 1917. V. of beauty and brilliance, controlled by superb technique. Taught at Curtis Inst. and Juilliard Sch. from 1924.