Konetzni, Anny (1902–1968)
Konetzni, Anny (1902–1968)
Austrian soprano. Born Anny Konerczny in Ungarisch-Weisskirchen, Austria, on February 12, 1902; died on September 6, 1968, in Vienna; sister of sopranoHilde Konetzni (1905–1980); studied with Erik Schmedes in Vienna and Jacques Stückgold in Berlin.
Debuted at the Vienna Volksoper (1925), Metropolitan Opera (1935), and Salzburg (1934); retired (1955); taught at the Viennese Music Academy until 1957.
Anny Konetzni was hired as a chorister at the Vienna Volksoper in 1923 but was let go because of lack of voice. Three years later, she made her debut in that same theater as contralto soloist in Wagner's Rienzi. Between 1931 and 1934, Konetzni was a member of the Berlin State Opera. She sang the first performance at that theater of Verdi's I vespri Siciliani in 1932. Her long association with the Vienna State Opera began in 1933, and soon she was one of that theater's best-known artists. She performed throughout Europe and North America. Anny Konetzni appeared frequently at Salzburg in 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1941. After World War II, she worked to revive opera in Vienna. She sang Lenore in the opening performance held under the baton of Josef Krips at the Theater an der Wien on October 6, 1945. She was an honored guest at a gala reopening of the Vienna Staatsoper in November 1955.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia