Genia Fonariova, also seen as Eugenie Baron-Fonariova, was a Russian-born American singer.
Early life Genia Fonariova was born in Odessa, and began her music career in Petrograd, Russia."Boston to Celebrate Pilgrim Ter-centenary" Musical Monitor (April 1921): 316. She also performed in Brussels and London"Concert for Russian Refugees" Musical America (June 17, 1916): 35."Russian Opera in London" Daily Sketch (May 31, 1915): 4. before moving to New York City during World War I."Genia Fonariova Heard" New York Times(February 20, 1920): 12.
Career in the United States In 1916 Fonariova was part of a program at the Manhattan Opera House with pianist Leo Ornstein and conductor Oscar Spirescu."Manhattan Opera Concert" New York Times (September 11, 1916): 7. Fonariova sang in a Russian-themed fundraising concert for Liberty Bonds in 1918, at Carnegie Hall, sharing the bill with Sergei Prokofiev, among others."Great Russian Liberty Concert" Musical Leader (October 24, 1918): 391. She gave a recital at New York's Aeolian Hall in 1920,"Fonariova in Recital" Musical America (February 28, 1920): 47. a performance that caused a New York Times writer to say that "Her concert was a welcome reminder that Russian music is not merely a reflection of nature, but a crystallization in art of the spirit of a great, humble people."
In 1921-1922, she toured the United States, including autumn festivals in Maine."Genia Fonariova to Tour South" Musical Courier (July 7, 1921): 10. She sang at free summer concerts in Central Park in 1924."Goldman Concerts in Central Park a Free Gift to New York City" New York Times (June 10, 1924): X5. In 1931, she gave a concert at New York's Town Hall."Genia Fonariova Sings" New York Times (December 7, 1931): 23. She was heard in radio concerts regularly"Stars of Radioland" Hamilton Evening Journal (August 22, 1931): 7. via Newspapers.com in the late 1920s"Noted Soprano Will Be Heard on Radio Tonight" Tampa Bay Times (December 8, 1928): 13. via Newspapers.com and through the 1930s."Today on the Radio" New York Times (December 3, 1932): 20.
She made at least three recordings for the Victor Talking Machine Company.Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Eugenie Fonariova (vocalist : soprano vocal)" (accessed June 7, 2018).
Personal life Fonariova became a United States citizen in 1929.Untitled news item, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (October 20, 1929): 75. via Newspapers.com
References
External links A 1916 portrait of Eugenie Fonariova, by Arnold Genthe, from the Library of Congress.