Background
Cinka was born in Sajógömör, Hungary (modern-day Gemer, Slovakia) to a Romani family of musicians. Her father was a court musician of Francis II Rákóczi. Her father and brothers are said to be the authors of the Rákóczi March, et cetera
Cinka was born in Sajógömör, Hungary (modern-day Gemer, Slovakia) to a Romani family of musicians. Her father was a court musician of Francis II Rákóczi. Her father and brothers are said to be the authors of the Rákóczi March, et cetera
She studied music in Rozsnyó (today Rožňava) and married a Romani musician-blacksmith.
Legends claim that she played violin at the age of 9. She designed a uniform of sorts for the band. She played first violin in this ensemble.
The band toured abroad and was invited to perform in noble houses.
Panna Cinka died in 1772 and was buried on February 5 in Gemer. Her grave has not survived but future poets gave her an epithet "The Gypsy Sappho".
Many Hungarian writers and composers—such as Mór Jókai, Zoltán Kodály, and Endre Dózsa—adopted her as the character of their works. She was portrayed by Anna Gurji in Dušan Rapoš"s biographical film Cinka Panna.