Born: February 6 1834, Croatia
Died: January 14 1889
Country most active: Italy, Austria, United Kingdom
Also known as: Ema Pukšec, Ilma di Murska
Known as “The Croatian Nightingale”, Ilma de Murska was an acclaimed 19th-century soprano opera singer. Her musical style was uninhibited and unrestrained – as she tended to depart from the score in fantastic improvisations, conductors would have to hold back the orchestra’s crescendo until she was ready. The fact that she could get away with this – to lead rather than follow – spoke to the power of her popularity and skill, further endearing her to her audiences.