Description

MARIA WOHLÓWNA (? POLAND ? – TBILISI, GEORGIA, 1924)

The Polish soprano, whose name is tragically associated with both artistic triumph and personal tragedy, studied singing at the Warsaw School of Singing under Maria Sobolewska. She began her career as a concert singer, debuting in 1908, and quickly gained recognition, giving guest performances in Berlin and later in London, where she furthered her vocal studies. In 1909, she performed at the Warsaw Philharmonic, earning acclaim.

Her operatic debut occurred on May 5, 1910, at the Warsaw Government Theatre, where she starred in the title role of Stanisław Moniuszko’s Hrabina. Following this, she became a prominent figure at the Teatr Wielki in Warsaw, where she was engaged for five seasons.

In 1915, amid the turmoil of World War I, she relocated to Russia and eventually settled in Tiflis (modern-day Tbilisi, Georgia). Here, she achieved remarkable success, captivating audiences and critics alike with her distinctive voice and exceptional technique. Her repertoire included iconic roles such as Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, Mimì in La Bohème, Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly, Nedda in Pagliacci, Elsa in Lohengrin, and Marguerite in Faust.

She was married twice: first to Nikolai Lewicki, the Director of the Warsaw Opera, and later to Georgian bacteriologist Dr. Giorgi Eliava. However, her life came to a tragic end during her time in Tiflis. Arrested under unclear circumstances, she was murdered in a local jail, leaving a legacy of a brilliant career cut short. Her story remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of human achievement in the face of historical upheaval.

Chronology of some appearances

1909 Warsaw Philharmonic Concert

1910 Warsaw Government Theatre

1910-1915 Warsaw Teatr Wielki

TRACKLIST

1. Halka (Moniuszko) Gdyby rannym slonkiem 843 10816 Syrena 1911
2. Halka (Moniuszko) Jako od wichru 844 10815 Syrena 1911
3. Les contes d’Hoffmann (Offenbach) Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour (w. Bolska) 10837 Syrena 1911
4. Nocturn Es-dur (Chopin) X-63962 Zonophone Warszawa 1910-09
5. Otworz Janku! (Niewiadomski) 10822 Syrena 1911
6. Peer Gynt (Grieg) Solveigs Lied X-63961 Zonophone Warszawa 1910-09
7. Thaïs (Massenet) Duet (w. Brzezinski) X-2-64085 Zonophone Warszawa 1910-09
8. The Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky) Duet pastuszków (w. Zdanowicz) 10835 10835 Syrena 1911
9. Tosca (Puccini) Vissi d’arte 851 10825 Syrena 1911
10. Traviata (Verdi) Duet Violetta-Germont (w. Wohl) X-2-64086 Zonophone Warszawa 1910-09