Alpar, Gitta (1900–1991)

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Alpar, Gitta (1900–1991)

Hungarian soprano. Name variations: Gitta Alpár. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Feb 5, 1900; died Feb 17, 1991, in Los Angeles, California; married twice, the 2nd time to Gustav Frölich (German actor who would later marry Lida Baarova).

Studied with Laura Hilgermann before launching singing career in Budapest (1923); sang in Munich, Berlin, and Vienna; though she sang Gilda, Rosina, and the Queen of the Night, greatest success was in operetta; was particularly remembered for appearances in Millöcker's Der Bettelstudent at the Meropolteater in Berlin and for premiering in Lehár's Schön ist die Welt (1930); sang title role in Millöcker's Gräfin Dubarry (1931); forced to flee Europe because of Nazi menace (1936), reestablished operetta career in US and appeared in several films.

See also Women in World History.

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