Tilly Koenen

Tilly Koenen (1873 – 1941), Mezzo Soprano, vintage 3.5 x 5.5 silver print postcard.

Mezzo soprano Tilly Koenen was born in Salatiga on Java as daughter of a cavalry officer. Around 1880 the family moved to Holland. Having graduated as a pianist at age 18, she continued her studies with contralto Cornélie van Zanten in Amsterdam and Berlin. After her debut in 1898 she has built a distinguished reputation in Central Europe as a Lied and oratorio singer. In 1909 and 1910 she toured the United States and Canada; in 1910 she took part in the premiere of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony in Munich, conducted by the composer. In the early 20s she ended her stage career. After a stay in England she returned to the Netherlands in 1939, and settled with her former teacher Cornélie van Zanten in The Hague.

Verso bears original printed postcard graphics, else blank and clean. In very good condition with some silvering to its edges.