Iza Kremer
ArgentinaBiography of Iza Kremer
Iza Yakovlevna Kremer was a singer and opera artist. From an early age, Iza showed musical talent, and her parents, despite family difficulties, helped her receive a musical education. In 1912, she went to Milan to study singing under the renowned pedagogue Luigi Ronci. She performed in small theaters before returning to her hometown, Odessa.
When Iza Kremer arrived in Odessa, she was offered the opportunity to make her debut in Puccini's opera "La Boheme" and later played the role of Violetta in "La Traviata." Although she achieved success on the opera stage, Iza was drawn to something different and soon transitioned to operetta, gaining immense popularity among the audience. Some of the operettas in which she participated included "The Beggar Student," "The Ideal Wife," "Finally Alone," and "Polish Blood."
In 1915, a major concert took place in Odessa featuring prominent artists. Iza Kremer performed a sentimental song that earned her a storm of applause. From then on, Iza started performing on the variety stage, singing humorous, intimate, and lyrical songs – many of which she composed herself, such as "Black Cat" and "Madame Lulu." She also sang folk songs and romances. Her popularity grew, leading her to perform in Petrograd and Moscow, where she received great success. Music stores were filled with sheet music of her songs and large photographs of the singer. Iza also occasionally performed in operettas in these cities. Her name remained in magazines and newspapers throughout 1916.
However, the Russian Revolution brought about significant changes. Many, including Iza Kremer, felt that their artistry with intimate songs, exoticism, dreams of distant Argentina, and fast troikas would no longer be needed in the new life. Their authors left Odessa and Petrograd behind. In 1919, Iza emigrated to France with her husband, the editor of "Odessa News," Heifetz. Before that, she worked in an entertainment establishment owned by Y.S. Morfessi in Constantinople for about a year. Later, she separated from Heifetz and embarked on a tour with a renowned American impresario, gaining worldwide fame. Besides her reputation as a wonderful performer of songs and romances, she also achieved great fame as a film actress. In the late 1930s, she practically stopped public performances. The only exception was made for a single occasion – a performance in front of the heads of the USSR, the USA, and the UK during the Tehran Conference in 1943. Churchill invited Marlene Dietrich, Maurice Chevalier, and Iza Kremer for Stalin, who also requested Vadim Kozin to accompany them.
In her later years, Iza Kremer lived in Argentina. She joined the Argentine-Soviet Friendship Society and even prepared to return to her homeland. However, a few days before the planned departure, she passed away. In the 1930s, she sang the poignant song "Russia" about her deep longing for her homeland.
