Irma Reichová

Irma Reichová (14 March 1859 – 5 June 1930) was a Czech operatic soprano who had an active career appearing in European opera houses during the latter half of the nineteenth century.

Born Irma Keszlerová in Křivoklát, Reichová first sang publicly in 1874 at a festival honoring the building of a railway bridge near his hometown.

Her local priest, Václav Štulc [Wikidata], together with Prince Emil Furstenberg, were so amazed by her voice that they advised her parents to enroll her in singing lessons.

Her portrayal of Marguerita in Charles Gounod's Faust was so well received that the theatre's manager, Johann Nepomuk Maýr, offered her a long-term contract.

She notably sang at the grand opening of the National Theatre on June 11, 1881 as the title heroine in the world premiere of Smetana's Libuše; a performance given in honor of the visit of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria.