Kind-hearted, elegant and compassionate Yvonne Kálmán (1937–2025) embodied both refinement and warmth. Her cosmopolitan upbringing lent her life a touch of theatrical glamour, while her personal devotion ensured that the operetta tradition she inherited would continue to flourish.

Yvonne was born in Vienna to Austro-Hungarian Emmerich Kálmán, one of the foremost composers of the Silver Age of Viennese operetta, and his wife Vera, an actress who later became a passionate champion of his legacy. Her early years were marked by dramatic change. In 1938, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria, the Jewish Kálmán family was forced to flee their home and seek safety abroad. They fled first to Paris, Mexico and later to the United States, where her father continued composing for American musical theatre. After the Second World War, they returned to Europe. The experience of exile left a lasting mark on Yvonne, shaping her lifelong dedication to preserving cultural heritage and artistic legacy.

Following Emmerich’s death in 1953, Vera took on the task of preserving his legacy, a mission that Yvonne gradually took to heart and later expanded with her own dedication. Living in Sydney, Los Angeles, and ultimately Puerto Vallarta, she worked closely with opera companies, festivals, performers and scholars to support new productions of Die Csárdásfürstin (The Gypsy Princess), Gräfin Mariza (Countess Maritza) and other works. Yvonne played a significant role in renewing international appreciation for her father’s music and supported archival initiatives that helped return manuscripts and personal materials to Hungary, reinforcing his place within national cultural heritage. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Pro Cultura Hungarica medal in 2017 on her 80th birthday.

In addition to her work in operetta, Yvonne was known for her kindness, generosity and deep sense of community. She was devoted to the welfare of animals, establishing the “Yvonneka Foundation” to rescue and care for abandoned dogs, turning her home into a safe haven where they could recover.

Lots 121 – 127 present a refined group of jewels inspired by the world of operetta. These jewels were first treasured by Vera and later lovingly worn by Yvonne. Passed from mother to daughter, this collection embodies a shared life immersed in music, theatre and cultivated elegance. These jewels reflect sophistication and enduring grace, carrying forward a legacy of artistry and timeless style.