Queen Victoria, Emma's Friend

Emma Calvé and Queen Victoria were friends. Emma sang every season at Covent Gardens in London and would be invited to court. In Chapter eleven of "My Life" Emma speaks very fondly of Queen Victoria. " She was impressive, dominating, a real presence, in spite of her short stature and plain exterior." Emma claims and goes on to say that the Queen used to call her a child of nature because of Emma's inability to remember the rules of etiquette. Emma recounts how it was through these performances at Windsor Castle that she met many interesting personalities including the Czar and Czarina of Russia, the King of Bavaria, the King of Sweden and Greece and the Empress Eugenie.

Emma also recalls in her book that she was accidently locked in her room before her first performance at the castle. There had been a death of one of the staff and she had been forgotten. They only noticed Emma missing when she did not show up on stage for her performance. Emma also performed at Balmoral. The Queen's fondness for Emma Calvé is still on display in the Victoria Room at Windsor Castle. The Queen had a bust of Emma sculpted by the Countess Théodora de Gleiken with Emma assuming the role of Santuzza in "Cavalleria Rusticana". 

Emma friends with Jean Richepin

Emma was known to be a good friend of Jean Richepin. Jean (1849-1926) was a french poet, novelist and dramatist. I have not been able to get much information to date about how close their friendship was but will keep digging. I have been able to find some great info on Jean though, through a fabulous website www.jeanrichepin.free.fr.  It is said that no woman could resist Mr. Richepin, who was of a bohemian nature. Eric Mie, a wonderful French artist in his own right, is a great fan of Richepin, and I believe the author of the Richepin website I have recommended. 

It doesn't surprise me that Emma would be friends of such a wonderful character as Richepin. They were both very outspoken individuals and deeply involved in the dramatic arts. It would have been a hoot to be able to sit in on one of their conversations.

 I would also like to thank Eric Mie for all his work in bringing together the life of Jean and wish him great success in his career.

My favourite Richepin quote: " One may live without bread, not without roses." Now what girl wouldn't swoon over that?!

Emma & Swami Vivekananda

Emma had the pleasure of meeting Swami Vivekananda during one of her U.S. tours. She seems to have been quite impressed by the Swami's abilities and remained a friend and admirer through her life. She speaks about him for several pages in her autobiography "My Life" ( pages 185-194) which is surprising as she does not give too many other people this much attention in her book. She doesn't talk about Jules Bois at all, and he is acknowledged in many circles as being very close to Emma for a considerable length of time.  Vivekananda also refers to her in his writings. There is a great website that carries the writings of Vivekananda.(www.vivekananda.net) It is well known that Emma was very generous with her money and in this manner of generosity invites Vivekananda as her guest on a trip to Egypt, Turkey and Greece. They are accompanied by Jules Bois, Miss McLeod, Father Hyacinthe ( Mr. Loyson) and his wife. Father Hyacinthe left the priesthood to marry and there is a story that Emma and his new wife got into an argument over this fact. It seems Mrs. Loyson made a comment about Emma sleeping with Jules Bois out of wedlock with Emma replying that at least she had not stolen a beloved priest from his people!