Olczewska, Maria (real name, Marie Berchtenbreitner)
Olczewska, Maria (real name, Marie Berchtenbreitner)
Olczewska, Maria (real name, Marie Berchtenbreitner) , prominent German mezzo-soprano; b. Ludwigsschwaige bei Donau worth, near Augsburg, Aug. 12, 1892; d. Klagenfurt, Austria, May 17, 1969. She studied with Karl Erler in Munich. She began her career singing in operetta, making her operatic debut in Krefeld (1915). She then appeared in Leipzig (1916–20), Hamburg (1920–23), and Vienna (1921–23). She was a favorite at London’s Covent Garden in Wagnerian roles (1924–32); also sang in Munich (1923–25) and again in Vienna (1925–30); likewise appeared in Chicago (1928–32). She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in N.Y. as Brängane on Jan. 16, 1933, remaining on its roster until 1935. From 1947 to 1969 she taught at the Vienna Academy of Music. She had a powerful voice, which made it possible for her to master the Wagner roles; but she was also excellent in dramatic parts, such as Carmen. Furthermore, she had a genuine talent as a stage actress. She was married for a time to Emil Schipper.
—Nicolas Slominsky/Laura Kaun/Dennis McIntire