Emma Nevada

Mary McNeill, lyric soprano, appearing as Emma Nevada, Nevada's first operatic Prima Donna, will grace the stage of Piper's Opera House on May 11th and 12th.

Mary, a sixth generation Nevadan with family roots in both Lahontan and Mason Valleys, is the Great-Great-Grandaughter of a rider of the Pony Express. Having loved music since the age of three, Mary has performed as a member of the Skyfire Choir that toured Europe. McNeill also appeared in the Nevada Opera performance of Carmen and in The King and I. Mary studies under Jon Fay of UNR, and has undertaken the Emma Nevada Project, which will include tours to rural Nevada.

Emma Nevada was born Emma Wixom, daughter of Dr. William Wixom, at Alpha Diggings (near Nevada City, California) on February 25, 1859. At three years of age, Emma first performed in the Nevada City Baptist Church singing the National Anthem while standing on a table so she could be seen.

Dr. Wixom moved his family during the Reese River rush to Austin, Nevada in 1864, and Emma spent her childhood singing her way into the hearts of the local populace as well as members of the Shoshone and Northern Paiute tribes. Emma was included in all school and church concerts, including the dedication concert of the Austin Methodist Church on September 11, 1868. At the age of 13 Emma's mother died suddenly and Emma was enrolled as a student at Mills College, Oakland, California.

As a student at Mills Emma's gift of song was widely recognized as well as her ability as a linguist, and when she graduated in 1876, journeyed to Paris to study under Madame Marchesi, the most noted vocal teacher of her day. Under Madame Marchesi's tutelage, Emma developed her vocal techniques while also learning the language of the operatic piece to ensure her proper nuances in performance. During her career, Emma Nevada mastered eight languages to fluency.

At the age of 21 years, Emma debuted at Her Majesty's Theatre in London as Amina in Bellini's La Sonnambula. It was at this time that Emma assumed her new name "Nevada" in honor of her native county in California as well as her home state, Nevada. Following this success, she appeared as Mignon in Paris, and then onto Vienna, Milan, Rome, Naples, St. Petersburg, Berlin, Brussells, Amsterdam, Madrid, Lisbon, and then back to London in a revival of Mireilla. A favorite of European royalty, Emma appeared at command performances in nearly every court of the continent. Emma was a particular favorite of Queen Victoria, being chosen to sing for many command performances at the palace as well as receiving a diamond necklace valued at $100,000.00 as a personal gift from the Queen. Emma was selected for the vocal selections at the coronation of King George.

Emma Nevada's career spanned 25 years, during which time she toured the world. Not forgetting her roots, Emma returned to the United States for a tour shortly after her marriage to Dr. Raymond Palmer of Birmingham, England.

After touring with Italian Diva Adelina Patti, Emma again appeared at the Methodist Church of Austin, Nevada and sang her favorite pieces, "Listen to the Mockingbird" and "Home Sweet Home". She appeared on December 3rd, 1885 at Piper's Opera House to a packed house. The newly rebuilt Piper's Opera House was bedecked with bunting and flowers for the occasion. In all, the 1885 tour included the total of 83 concerts.

During the 1885 tour Emma recounted what she considered to be her dearest tribute, that of an old miner in Arizona Territory. He came to the box office and asked, "How much?" "Three dollars," said the ticket seller. "Three dollars?" repeated the miner. "Yes," replied the man in the box office, "do you think it's too much?" "No," remarked the old miner, "I'd pay $6 just to see her again."

Returning to Paris, Emma continued her career as well as teaching her daughter, Mignon, how to sing. Mignon Palmer followed in her mother's footsteps as an exceptional Operatic Prima Donna in her own right.

Emma's last trip to the United States was in 1902, appearing in Nevada City once more. Emma Wixom Nevada died on June 20, 1940 at Wavertree, England.

Saturday, May 11th is slated for the Emma Nevada "Gala" at Piper's at 7:00 p.m. with a Champagne reception to follow the performance. Mother's Day, May 12th, is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. matinee performance followed by a tea at 4:00 p.m.

For information and reservations, please call Piper's Opera House at (775) 847-0433.