Emma Howson

In her early 20s Howson's family moved to America, where she played leading roles in opera, Victorian burlesque, other dramatic forms, and on the concert stage.

After vocal studies in Italy, she continued her career in England where, in 1878, she joined Richard D'Oyly Carte's company to originate the role of Josephine.

Howson was born in Hobart Town, Tasmania, and performed as a child in concerts with her father, Frank (a baritone and conductor) and her brothers.

[2] In America, Howson performed in English-language opera as Amina in La Sonnambula (1866)[3] as well as in comedy, drama, farce and burlesque with her family.

In major North American cities, she played roles in Fra Diavolo, The Bohemian Girl, Martha, Oberon, The Marriage of Figaro, Der Freischütz and Il Trovatore.

The Era noted after the opening night, "Miss Emma Howson is one of the brightest, liveliest little ladies imaginable.

[3] During this period, her elder brother, John (died 1887), was the leading man in the long-running London production of Les cloches de Corneville.