A Gift from Abroise Thomas
Sembrich as Ophelia in Thomas’ Hamlet. ca. 1882. Click to enlarge
During the summer of 1881, Marcella Sembrich travelled to Paris to study operatic roles with the composer Ambroise Thomas. During this time, Sembrich studied the title role in Mignon and Ophélie in Hamlet, both written by Thomas less than two decades prior. In addition to being a noted composer, Thomas was the Director of the Paris Conservatory from 1871-1896. The composer was so impressed by the young singer that he sent this intricately decorated porcelain hand mirror (shown above) to her after she left Paris with the message:
“Marcella Sembrich - as ideal a musician as she is admirable a singer - my affectionate remembrance to the great artist.”
Only a year later on November 14, 1882, she made her debut as Ophélie in Hamlet at the Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain. Following her debut of the role, Thomas sent this telegram:
“My warmest congratulations and affectionate remembrance of my dear Ophélie Marcella Sembrich.”
Sembrich performed both Mignon and Ophélie numerous times throughout her career.
Porcelain hand mirror given to Marcella Sembrich by composer Abroise Thomas. Click to enlarge
