Emmy Destinn

Emilie Věnceslava Pavlína Kittlová (Known as "Ema Destinnová")

Operatic Dramatic Soprano, Star of the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden

Born 1878-02-26

Prague, Kingdom of Bohemia

Passed Away 1930-01-28 České Budějovice, Czechoslovakia

Lifespan 51 years old

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"The human voice is the most exquisite instrument created by God; when it sings of liberty, no power can still it."

Archival Overview

Legendary dramatic soprano of immense vocal power and beauty, star of the Berlin Royal Opera and New York Metropolitan Opera, who created the role of Minnie in Puccini's 'La fanciulla del West' opposite Enrico Caruso.

Biographical Record

Emilie Kittlová, known worldwide by her stage name Emmy Destinn (Ema Destinnová), was born in Prague on February 26, 1878. Making her sensational debut at the Berlin Court Opera in 1898 as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana, Destinn rose to become one of the reigning prima donnas of the golden age of opera.

At the Metropolitan Opera in New York from 1908 to 1916, she sang lead soprano roles alongside Enrico Caruso, creating the role of Minnie in the 1910 world premiere of Puccini's La fanciulla del West. During World War I, she carried secret intelligence for the Czech anti-Habsburg resistance to Prague.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Vyšehrad Cemetery (Slavín)
Prague, Czech Republic

                         GPS: 50.0640, 14.4190                    

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