L’Incognita

L'Incognita performed at music halls in Europe, wearing a black lace mask to conceal her identity. Audiences of the time were intrigued and newspapers reported that 'the mysterious atmosphere which surrounded each performance speedily set the gossips talking. Was she an anarchist in disguise? Had some eccentric member of the "smart set" adopted this highly original method of earning a living? Was it true she claimed a relationship with royalty?'

L'Incognita was actually Violet Emily Le Breton Mount, born in Melbourne in 1875. The first mention we have of Violet Mount performing opera is in 1902. She is known to have appeared in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington and across Queensland before leaving Australia for Europe at the end of 1905.

As well as 'L'Incognita', Violet also recorded under the pseudonym 'Violetta Viamonti'. She made her first recordings in 1908. After a long career performing across Europe she died in Surrey, England in 1972.