Open Features: Ernestine Schumann Heink
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Austrian born Ernestine Schumann Heink who spent a large part of her career singing in the USA.
Born
15th. June 1861 in Lieben, Austria.
Adolescence
Studied in Graz & Dresden.
Adult life
Debut Graz in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Opera debut Dresden 1878 as Azucena in Il Trovatore. Sang at Hamburg from 1883, notably as Carmen and in Wagner. Covent Garden debut 1892 as Erda. Sang at Bayreuth from 1896 - 1914, and at New York Met from 1899, chiefly in Wagner roles. Created role of Klytemnestra in Strauss' Elektra Dresden 1909.
She sang mainly in the U.S.A., where her dramatic temperament and vivid enunciation made her much in demand. She had a repertory of 150 roles.
She died 17th. November 1936 in Hollywood aged 75.
