Thursby, Emma Cecilia (1845-1931). Singer. Born in Brooklyn, New York, 21 February, 1857. She had her first instruction of Julius Meyer, and subsequently studied with Achille Errani and Erminia Rudersdorff. In 1873 she went to Italy, where she studied for a short time under Francesco Lamperti and San Giovanni. On her return she sang in the Broad way tabernacle, New York. In 1876 she made her first concert-tour with Patrick S. Gilmore's orchestra, and in 1877 she travelled with Theodore Thomas. In the same year Maurice Strakosch signed a six-years' engagement with her, and under his management she made several tours in the United States and in Europe, meeting with great success. Miss Thursby has appeared only in concert and oratorio, and has rejected the most flattering offers that were made her while abroad to appear in opera. Her forte is sacred music, and' in rendering the soprano parts of Handel's and Haydn's oratorios she is unsurpassed. Card signed with her full name.