Fanica Zachert: Did She Sing Like a Canary?

Fanica Zachert was a Romanian mezzo-soprano who sang at the Romanian Opera in the first half of the 20th century. Born in Bucharest on March 15, 1876, she studied voice at the Bucharest Conservatory and debuted at the Romanian Opera in 1900 in the role of Maddalena in Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Over the next few years, Fanica Zachert sang a variety of roles at the Romanian Opera, including Amneris in Aida, Azucena in Il Trovatore, and Carmen in Carmen. She also sang in the world premieres of several Romanian operas, including Ion Vidu’s Nunta Zamfirei and George Stephanescu’s O noapte furtunoasa.

In 1910, Fanica Zachert left the Romanian Opera to join the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She made her debut at the Met in the role of Amneris in Aida on November 28, 1910, and went on to sing a variety of roles at the Met over the next 10 seasons, including Azucena in Il Trovatore, Carmen in Carmen, and Dulcinea in Massenet’s Don Quixote.

After leaving the Met in 1920, Fanica Zachert returned to the Romanian Opera, where she continued to sing until her retirement in 1935. She died in Bucharest on May 15, 1956.

Fanica Zachert: A Canary Among Nightingales

Fanica Zachert was a mezzo-soprano with a voice that was praised for its beauty, power, and versatility. She was also a gifted actress, able to bring her characters to life with her vibrant stage presence. One critic described her as “a canary among nightingales,” a reference to her ability to sing with both power and sweetness.

One of Fanica Zachert’s most famous roles was that of Carmen in Georges Bizet’s opera of the same name. She was known for her passionate and fiery portrayal of the role, and her performance was said to have captivated audiences. Another of her signature roles was that of Amneris in Verdi’s Aida, a role she sang both at the Romanian Opera and at the Metropolitan Opera.

Fanica Zachert was a gifted singer and actress who made a significant contribution to the world of opera. She was a beloved figure in her native Romania, and she enjoyed a successful career both at home and abroad. Her legacy continues to inspire singers and opera lovers alike.

Fanica Zachert: A Romanian Icon

Fanica Zachert was a national icon in Romania. Her image was featured on stamps and coins, and she was the subject of several documentaries and books. She was also the inspiration for a number of Romanian operas, including Nicolae Bretan’s Fanica Zachert and George Stephanescu’s O noapte furtunoasa.

Fanica Zachert’s legacy is one of triumph and tragedy. She was a gifted singer who achieved international success, but her personal life was often fraught with heartbreak and loss. She was married twice, but both of her marriages ended in divorce. She also lost two of her children, one to illness and one to suicide.

Despite the challenges she faced, Fanica Zachert never gave up on her dreams. She continued to sing and act until her retirement in 1935, and she remained a beloved figure in Romanian culture until her death in 1956.

• Fanica Zachert was a Romanian mezzo-soprano who sang at the Romanian Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.
• She was known for her beautiful, powerful, and versatile voice, and her ability to bring her characters to life.
• Two of her most famous roles were Carmen in Georges Bizet's opera of the same name and Amneris in Verdi’s Aida.
• Fanica Zachert was a national icon in Romania, and her legacy continues to inspire singers and opera lovers alike.