Judith Somogi

Judith Somogi, dynamic orchestra conductor who was the first woman to conduct an opera in America and the first woman ever named to conduct at Frankfurt's prestigious opera house. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Somogi and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1975 / Judith Somogi conducting the Naumburg Symphony Orchestra."

Born in Brooklyn, Miss Somogi earned degrees at the Juilliard School of Music and began professionally as a rehearsal pianist at the New York City Opera, where she eventually became the nation's first operatic maestra.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.