Anny Schlemm, born on February 22, 1929, in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, is a distinguished German soprano and mezzo-soprano. The daughter of Franz Schlemm, a chorister at the Frankfurt Opera, she received her training from Erna Westenberger in Berlin. Schlemm's operatic debut was in 1946 at the Stadttheater of Halle (Saale), where she performed as Zerline and Susanna, or possibly in 1948 as Bastienne in Mozart's "Bastien und Bastienne."

In 1949, she joined the Berlin Staatsoper and simultaneously worked with the Komische Oper Berlin, where she was involved in Walter Felsenstein's renowned productions, notably as Desdemona in Verdi's "Othello" (1959) and Boulotte in Offenbach's "Ritter Blaubart" (1963). Her portrayal of Boulotte became a signature role, performed 257 times over 19 years.

Schlemm's career included engagements at the Opera House of Cologne (1950-1951) and the Frankfurt Opera from 1951. She was a guest performer at numerous prestigious venues, including the State Operas of Munich, Hamburg, and Dresden, the Deutschen Oper Berlin, and internationally at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, the Grand Opéra Paris, and the Covent Garden Opera in London. She was also a regular at the Bayreuth Festivals, performing as Mary in "Der fliegende Holländer" from 1978 to 1985.

Her repertoire evolved from lyric soprano roles to include dramatic soprano and mezzo-soprano parts, showcasing her versatile talent. Notable roles included Küsterin in Janácek's opera at the Cologne Opera (1981), Herodias in "Salome," Klytämnestra in "Elektra" by R. Strauss, and Madelon in "Andrea Chénier" at Covent Garden. Anny Schlemm's career spanned several decades, marked by her dynamic performances and contributions to opera.