Emmy Destinn

Emmy Destinn, born Emilie Věnceslava Pavlína Kittlová on February 26, 1878, in Prague, Austria-Hungary, was a prominent Czech operatic soprano. She made her stage debut in 1897 as Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana at the Semperoper in Dresden, securing a five-year contract at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin. Destinn's career included notable performances such as Senta in The Flying Dutchman and the title role in Salome. She became Prima Donna of the Staatsoper Berlin, performing over 50 roles. Destinn also appeared at the London Royal Opera House and New York Metropolitan Opera. After retiring in 1926, she dedicated herself to teaching. Emmy Destinn passed away on January 28, 1930.