This is a list of operatic sopranos and mezzo-sopranos who were born in Sweden or whose work is closely associated with that country.
Adèle Almati
Kerstin Avemo
Maria Bengtsson (born 1975), soprano performing in Europe's major opera houses[ 8]
Julie Berwald (1822–1877), celebrated opera and concert singer, at the Royal Swedish Opera from 1847[ 9]
Irma Björck (1898–1993), mezzo-soprano opera and operetta singer at the Royal Swedish Opera[ 10]
Olga Björkegren (1857–1950), actress at the Swedish Theatre and singer at the Royal Swedish Opera[ 11]
Anna-Lisa Björling (1910–2006), soprano opera singer and actress, performing at the Royal Swedish Opera from 1948[ 12]
Karin Branzell (1891–1974}, mezzo-soprano at the New York Metropolitan Opera and in Europe, noted for Wagnerian roles[ 13]
Ingela Brimberg (born 1964), soprano and mezzo-soprano opera singer who has performed in Sweden, Germany and Belgium[ 14]
Malin Byström (born 1973), soprano performing leading roles in Europe's major opera houses[ 15]
Sara Cahier (1870–1951), American-born Swedish mezzo-soprano in opera and lieder, performed in Europe and New York[ 16]
Justina Casagli (1794–1841), soprano at the Royal Swedish Opera, also performed in Italy and Germany[ 17]
Julia Claussen (1879–1941), mezzo-soprano with the Royal Swedish Opera, also in London, Paris and the United States[ 18]
Mathilda Ebeling
Maria Fontosh (born 1976), Ukrainian-born Russian soprano now in Sweden, performing at the Royal Swedish Opera[ 27]
Wilhelmina Fundin (1819–1911), soprano who sang at the Royal Swedish Opera for 30 years until 1871[ 28]
Rosa Grünberg
Maria Gelhaar (1858–1920), soprano who performed with the Royal Swedish Opera from 1883[ 29]
Mathilda Gelhaar (1814–1889), one of the most noted singers of the Swedish Opera in the 1840s and 1850s[ 30]
Wilhelmina Gelhaar (1837–1923), soprano at Stockholm's Royal Theatre from 1857, known in particular for her coloratura roles
Mathilda Grabow (1852–1940), soprano considered to be one of the stars of Swedish opera in the late 19th century[ 32]
Rosa Grünberg (1878–1960), actress and soprano singer, considered a prima donna of Swedish opera in the early 1900s[ 33]
Ellen Gulbranson (1863–1947), soprano known for her roles in Wagnerian operas, also sang regualarly in Bayreuth[ 34]
Davida Hesse-Lilienberg
Lilly Hafgren (1884–1965), performed mainly in Germany, including Bayreuth
Margareta Hallin (1931–2020), coloratura soprano, composer and actress, joined the Royal Swedish Opera in 1956 and toured internationally[ 35]
Malin Hartelius (born 1966), soprano who has performed mainly in Austria and Switzerland[ 36]
Signe Hebbe (1837–1926), soprano who sang throughout Europe in opera and concerts, later voice instructor[ 37]
Charlotte Hellekant (born 1962), mezzo-soprano active in opera mainly on American stages[ 38]
Davida Hesse-Lilienberg (1877–1964), soprano who performed leading roles with the Royal Swedish Opera until 1909[ 39]
Cecilia Hjortsberg (born 1973), soprano who has sung at the Royal Danish Theatre since 2005[ 40]
Thekla Hofer (1852–1938), operatic soprano in Stockholm, Saint Petersburg and Riga, voice teacher
Hannah Holgersson (born 1976), soprano who has performed mainly as a concert soloist[ 42]
Agnes Janson (1861–1947), mezzo-soprano opera singer and recitalist, voice teacher in Australia from 1906
Busk Margit Jonsson (born 1929), soprano with the Royal Swedish Opera until 1983[ 44]
Katarina Karnéus
Katarina Karnéus (born 1965), mezzo-soprano opera singer and recitalist, active first in the UK and New York, later in Sweden[ 45]
Maria Keohane (bonr 1971), soloist who has performed in festivals throughout Europe and made many recordings[ 46]
Anna Maria Klemming (1864–1889), soprano, short but successful career with the Royal Swedish Opera until her early death[ 47]
Jenny Lind (portrait by Eduard Magnus)
Karin Langebo (1927–2019), soprano and harpist, active mainly in Sweden and Norway
Nanny Larsén-Todsen (1884–1982), soprano active in Stockholm, Milan, New York and Bayreuth, notable for her roles in Wagner's operas[ 48]
Lisa Larsson (born 1967), soprano who has performed widely as a soloist in concerts and festivals[ 49]
Catarina Ligendza (born 1937), soprano active mainly in German opera houses and in Bayreuth, known for her Wagnerian performances[ 50]
Sofia Liljegren (1765–1795), Finnish-Swedish soprano who was a popular performer at the Royal Swedish Opera in the 1780s[ 51]
Elisabeth Lillström (1717–1791), early Swedish actress who performed in stage plays and in comic opera roles as a soprano[ 52]
Jenny Lind (1820–1887), highly regarded soprano, performed in Sweden, across Europe and in concerts throughout the United States[ 53]
Berit Lindholm (1934–2023), performed at Covent Garden and at the Metropolitan Opera, notable for roles in Wagner's operas[ 54]
Göta Ljungberg (1893–1955), major Wagnerian soprano of the 1920s, sang throughout America and Europe[ 55]
Magna Lykseth-Skogman (1874–1949), Norwegian-born Swedish soprano, prima donna of the Royal Swedish Opera
Marie Louise Marcadet (1758–1804), opera singer and stage actress active in Stockholm and Paris[ 57]
Hillevi Martinpelto (born 1958), operatic soprano and recitalist performing in Sweden and internationally[ 58]
Kerstin Meyer (1928–2020), mezzo-soprano opera and concert performer mainly in Stockholm, Hamburg and London[ 59]
Louise Michaëli (1830–1875), prima donna soprano of the Royal Swedish opera, also successful in London[ 60]
Caroline Müller (1755–1826), highly successful Danish mezzo-soprano first in Copenhagen and later in Stockholm[ 61]
Birgit Nilsson
Birgit Nilsson (1918–2005), celebrated soprano in Sweden and internationally, best known for her roles in the operas of Wagner and Richard Strauss[ 62]
Christina Nilsson (1843-1921), coloratura soprano, internationally successful, mainly in Paris, London, North America and Moscow[ 63]
Henriette Nissen-Saloman (1819–1879), mezzo-soprano opera singer and pianist, active touring across Europe and engaged in Saint Petersburg[ 64]
Birgit Nordin (1934–2022), soprano with the Royal Swedish Opera remembered for her Mozart roles
Elisabeth Olin (1740–1828), first prima donna of the Royal Swedish Opera from its inauguration in 1773[ 66]
Augusta Öhrström-Renard (1856–1921), mezzo-soprano at the Royal Danish Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera, concerts in France and North America[ 67]
Anna Oscàr (1875–1915), leading soprano at the Royal Swedish Opera in the early 20th century[ 68]
Carolina Östberg (1853–1924), celebrated soprano at the Royal Swedish Opera in the late 19th century, also performed in Denmark, Germany and Norway[ 69]
Anne Sofie von Otter (born 1955), mezzo-soprano opera performer, recitalist, and pop singer, with extensive discography[ 70]
Miah Persson
Gertrud Pålson-Wettergren (1897–1921), mezzo-soprano with the Royal Swedish Opera, also at the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden[ 71]
Miah Persson (born 1969). soprano at the Royal Danish Opera and international concert performer[ 72]
Isa Quensel (1905–1981), actress and soprano at the Royal Swedish Opera, appeared in over 50 films, plays and operas[ 73]
Hjördis Schymberg (1909–2008), coloratura and lyric soprano, active at the Royal Swedish Opera and internationally in recitals and operas[ 78]
Anna Sofia Sevelin (1790–1871), initially alto, later soprano, highly active with the Royal Swedish Opera until 1833[ 79]
Gitta-Maria Sjöberg (born 1957), Swedish-born soprano, soloist with the Royal Danish Theatre from 1987[ 80]
Elisabeth Söderström (1927–2009), soprano remembered for her roles in the operas of Rachmaninoff and Sibelius in Sweden and internationally[ 81]
Nina Stemme (born 1963), celebrated Wagnerian soprano, performing with opera companies across Europe and the United States[ 82]
Fredrika Stenhammar (1836–1880), soprano with the Royal Swedish Opera, later voice instructor[ 83]
Elisabet Strid (born 1976), soprano known for performances in the operas of Wagner and Strauss at many prominent venues[ 84]
Camilla Tilling
Birgitta Svendén (born 1952), mezzo-soprano known for Wagnerian performances at the Royal Swedish Opera, Metropolitan Opera and Bayreuth[ 85]
Erika Sunnegårdh (born 1966), soprano who has sung with the Metropolitan Opera as well as in Berlin, Malmö and Stockholm[ 86]
Bertha Tammelin (1836–1915), actress, mezzo-soprano opera singer, pianist, composer and drama instructor[ 87]
Iréne Theorin (born 1963), soprano in operas and recitals across Europe and in the United States, noted for her Wagnerian roles[ 88]
Lilly Walleni
Camilla Tilling (born 1971), soprano in opera and concert across Europe and in the United States[ 89]
Ingrid Tobiasson (born 1951), mezzo-soprano singing leading roles at the Royal Swedish Opera, also concert recitalist and recording artist[ 90]
Lilly Walleni (1875–1920), mezzo-soprano remembered for her Wagner role in German opera houses and Stockholm[ 91]
Elisabeth Wärnfeldt (born 1956), soprano opera and concert singer, author of libretti[ 92]
Jeanette Wässelius (1784–1853), leading prima donna of the Royal Swedish Opera in the early 19th century[ 93]
Sara Widén (1981–2014), soprano with the Royal Swedish Opera until her early death from cancer[ 94]
Henriette Widerberg (1796–1872), soprano, prima donna with the Royal Swedish Opera from 1820[ 95]
Hedvig Wigert (1748–1780), early soprano performer with the Royal Swedish Opera from its inauguration in 1773[ 96]
Zulamith Wellander (1857–1919), mezzo-soprano with the Royal Danish Opera, guest performer in Denmark and Germany, voice instructor[ 97]
^ "2. Abrahamson, Eufrosyne" . Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon (in Swedish). Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Hennerberg, C. F. "A Adele L Almati-Rundberg" . Svenskt biografiskt lexikon (in Swedish). Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Thyselius, Erik; Lindblad, Göran, eds. (1969). "Althén, Ruth E" . Vem är det : Svensk biografisk handbok (in Swedish). P. A. Nordstedt & Söners. p. 24. Retrieved 10 December 2022 – via Project Runeberg.
^ Vretblad, P. "Wendela Linnea Andersson-Sörensen" (in Swedish). Svenskt biografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Susanna Andersson, Soprano" . Nordic Artists. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Ulvros, Eva Helen. "Lovisa Sofia Augusti" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon (in English and Swedish). Translated by Alexia Grosjean. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Kerstin Avemo" . Polish National Opera. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Maria Bengtsson" . Royal Opera House. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Berwald, Julia Mathilda" . Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon (in Swedish). Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Bohman, Nils; Dahl, Torsten, eds. (1949). "Björck, Irma Lovisa" . Svenska män och kvinnor : biografisk uppslagsbok (in Swedish). Stockholm: Albert Bonniers Boktryckeri. p. 335. Retrieved 10 December 2022 – via Project Runeberg.
^ Ohlsson, Hélène. "Olga Christina Augusta Björkegren" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Anna-Lisa Björling-Barkman" . Jussi Björling Society. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Åhlen, Carl-Gunnar. "Karin Maria Branzell" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Ingela Brimberg : « On ne choisit pas sa voix, on suit le chemin qui semble bon pour elle »" (in French). Forum Opera. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Malin Byström" . Schmopera. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Mme. Sara Cahier" . Toledo Blade . 16 April 1951. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Hofberg, Herman, "(wrong page)" , Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon [Swedish Biographical Dictionary ], 1906 (in Swedish)[failed verification ]
^ "Julia Claussen" (in Swedish). Svenska Dagbladets Årsbok / Nittonde årgången (händelserna 1941). 1941. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Tove Dahlberg, Mezzo-soprano" . Nordic Artists. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Friedner, Calle; Henrysson, Harald; Krantz, Bengt (2018). "Remembering Kjerstin Dellert 1925 – 2018" . Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK . 32 (1). Jussi Björling Society: Newsletter, Vol 32. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Katija Dragojevic" (in Swedish). operan.se. Archived from the original on 2014-01-10. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Aurora Mathilda Ebeling" (in Swedish). Svenskt biografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Hofberg, Herman (1906). "Edling, Bernhardina (Dina)" . Svenskt biografiskt handlexikon (in Swedish). p. 268. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Steinrud, Marie. "Christina Wilhelmina Enbom" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Höijer, Johan Leonard (1864). "Enequist—Biondini, Nathilda" (in Swedish). Musik-lexikon. p. 118. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "CV: Maria Fontosh, soprano" . DR: Danish Radio Sinfonietto. Archived from the original on 2008-02-15. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Fundin, Wilhelmina Christina" (in Swedish). Europas konstnärer. 1887. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Hedberg, Walborg; Arosenius, Louise (1914). "Gelhaar, Maria". Svenska kvinnor från skilda verksamhetsområden : Biografisk uppslagsbok (in Swedish). p. 35. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Stålberg, Wilhelmina (1866). "Ficker, Mathilda Fredrika" (in Swedish). Anteckningar om svenska qvinnor. p. 137. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Grabow, Mathilda" (in Swedish). Europas konstnärer. 1887. p. 178. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Hagman, Bertil (1969). "Rosa Grünberg-Sjöstedt" . Svenskt biografiskt lexikon (in Swedish). Vol. 17. Stockholm: National Archives of Sweden . p. 365.
^ "Ellen Gulbranson" . Kirsten Flagstad Museum. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Margareta Hallin (Soprano) – Short Biography" . Bach Cantatas Website. Archived from the original on 24 December 2001. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Oron, Aryeh. "Malin Hartelius (Soprano)" . Bach Cantatas. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ Lewenhaupt, Inga. "Signe Amanda Georgina Hebbe" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Charlotte Hellekant" . Musical World. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Hesse-Lilienberg, Signe Davida Augusta" (in Swedish). Svenska män och kvinnor : biografisk uppslagsbok / 3. G-H /. 1948. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Cecilia Hjortsberg" (in Swedish). Det Kongelige Teater. Retrieved 10 December 2022 .
^ "Hannah Holgersson" (in Swedish). Svenska Konsertbyrån. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Jonsson, Busk Margit" (in Swedish). Vem är det : Svensk biografisk handbok. 1993. p. 564. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Katarina Karnéus" . Grove Artists. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Maria Keohane" . Carus. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Svanberg, Johannes (1918). "Anna Maria Klemming" (in Swedish). Kungl. Teatrarne under ett halft sekel 1860–1910. Personalhistoriska anteckningar / Andra delen /. p. 199. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Larsén-Todsen, Nanny" . Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Lisa Larsson (Soprano)" . Bach Cantatas. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Catarina Ligendza" . Wilhelm Stenhammar Internationell Music Competition. Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Hillili, Ruth-Esther (1997). Liljegren, Sofia Ulrika . Historical Dictionary of the Music and Musicians of Finland. p. 220. ISBN 0-313-27728-1 . Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Åstrand, Hans (1977). Sohlmans musiklexikon band 4 (in Swedish). Sohlman. ISBN 91-7198-024-5 .
^ Tägil, Ingela. "Johanna (Jenny) Maria Lind" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Salazar, Francisco (3 July 2022). "Swedish Soprano Berit Lindholm Receives Gold Medal in Sweden" . Opera Wire. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Johansson, Stefan. "Göta A Ljungberg" (in Swedish). Svenskt biografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Derkert, Kerstin. "Marie Louise Marcadet" (in Swedish). Svenskt biografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Hillevi Martinpelto (Soprano)" . Bach Cantatas. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Rodén, Marie-Louise. "Kerstin Margareta Meyer" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ Olsson, Dan. "Lovisa (Louise) Charlotta Helena Michaëli" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Høgel, Sten. "Caroline Walter" (in Danish). lex: Kvinfo. Retrieved 9 December 2022 .
^ Lindkvist, Thomas. "Märta Birgit Nilsson" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ Björklund, Ingegerd. "Christina Nilsson" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 11 December 2022 .
^ "Henriette Nissen-Saloman (1819−1879)" . Swedish Musical Heritage. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ Ulvros, Eva Helen. "Elisabeth Olin" (in Swedish). Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Augusta 'Ohrström Renard" . Hvar 8 dag (in Swedish). 31 January 1909. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ Olsson, Dan. "Anna Dorothea Oscàr" (in Swedish). Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Cederquist, Emilie. "Beata Carolina Östberg" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Anne Sofie von Otter (b. 1955)" . Nordics Info. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Pålson-Wettergren, Gertrud" (in Swedish). Svenska män och kvinnor : biografisk uppslagsbok / 6. P-Sheldon. 1948. p. 183. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Miah Persson (Soprano)" . Bach Cantatas. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Granath, Sara. "Anna Lisa (Isa) Quensel" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Lindström, Crister. "Christina Margaretha Rahm" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Husebye, Alexander (1995–1997). "Signe Rappe-Welden" . Svenskt biografiskt lexikon (in Swedish). Vol. 29. National Archives of Sweden . p. 692. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Riêgo, Amalia" (in Swedish). Nordisk familjebok / Uggleupplagan. 23. Retzius – Ryssland. 1916. p. 255. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Elin Rombo" . Bach Cantatas. Retrieved 12 December 2012 .
^ Hammarlund, Jan. "Hjördis Gunborg Schymberg" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Åhlen, Carl-Gunnar. "Anna Sofia Sevelin" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Christiansen, John. "Gitta-Maria Sjöberg" (in Danish). lex: Den Store Danske. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Kyndel, Dag. "Anna Elisabeth Söderström" (in Swedish). Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Nina Stemme" . Wagneropera.net. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Ôhrström, Eva. "Fredrika Stenhammar" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Elisabet Strid" . Operabase. Retrieved 11 June 2024 .
^ "Svenden, Birgitta" . Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Erika Sunnegardh, soprano" . Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Ahnfelt, Arvid (1887). "Tammelin, Bertha Carolina Mathilda" (in Swedish). Europas konstnärer. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Iréne Theorin" . Royal Opera House. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Camilla Tilling (Soprano)" . Bach Cantatas. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Ingrid Tobiasson" . Eliasson Artists. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Wallëni, Lilly" (in Swedish). Nordisk familjebok / Uggleupplagan. 31. Ural – Vertex. 1931. p. 483. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
^ "Om" (in Swedish). Elizabeth Warnfeldt. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Steinrud, Marie. "Maria Johanna (Marie Jeanette) Wässelius" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ "Sara Widén /Soprano" . Svenska Konsertbyrån. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Ohlsson, Hélène. "Henriette Sophie Widerberg" . Svenskt kvinnobiografiskt lexikon. Retrieved 12 December 2022 .
^ Dahlgren, Fredrik August (1866). "Mamsell Hedvig Christina Falk, sedan Fru Wigert in Förteckning öfver Svenska Skadespel uppförda pa Stockholms Theatrar 1713–1863". Förteckning öfver svenska skådespel uppförda på Stockholms theatrar 1737–1863 och Kongl. theatrarnes personal 1773–1863 (in Swedish). P. A. Norstedt & söner. p. 431. Retrieved 18 November 2023 .
^ Svanberg, Johannes. "Zulamith Maria Wellander" (in Swedish). Kungl. teatrarne under ett halft sekel 1860–1910. Retrieved 13 December 2022 .
Sources