Emma Vecla (most widely used stage name), birth nameErnestine Louise Telmat, alternate stage nameAdrienne Telma,[1] (1877–1972) was a Frenchoperatic soprano who was born inMaghnia, Algeria.[2] She made her début at theOpéra-Comique in 1898 as Filina inAmbroise Thomas'Mignon.[1] She is remembered in particular for her operetta performances from 1907 in Italy, where she became quite a celebrity.
Born on 11 January 1877 in Maghnia, Algeria[1] into a French family, Ernestine Louise Telmat was educated at theParis conservatory. She made her début at theOpéra-Comique in 1898 as Filina inAmbroise Thomas'Mignon. At the Opéra-Comique, she also played the title role inCendrillon, Henriette inEnrique Granados'Follet, the Sandman inHansel and Gretel and Ellen inLakmé.[1]
She probably first performed in Italy in 1903 at theTeatro Lirico in Milan, taking the title role inThaïs.[3] She also performed at opera houses in France, Spain and South America. In 1907, she turned from opera tooperetta, becoming a celebrated performer in both French and German.[4][5]
Her performances in grand opera included the title role inJules Massenet'sManon, Mimi inLa bohème, Marguerite inGounod'sFaust, the title role inLéo Delibes'Lakmé and Zerline inDaniel Auber'sFra Diavolo. From 1907 to 1930, she was one of the most prominent operetta singers, especially in Italy where she was greatly appreciated. There she played the role of Hanna Glawari inFranz Lehár'sThe Merry Widow no less than 985 times.[4]
Emma Vecla died in Milan on 29 May 1972.[4]
Vecla made a wide range of recordings on theFonotipia label.[3]
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