Annie Louise Cary American singer. Date of Birth: 22.10.1842 Country: USA

Biography of Annie Louise Cary

Annie Louise Cary was an American singer who was one of the most sought-after opera and concert singers of her time for the next 20 years. She performed until the winter of 1875-1876 when she decided to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. Born in Wayne, Maine, Annie was the daughter of Nelson Howard Cary and Maria Stockbridge. After several years of education in regular schools, Annie enrolled in a women's seminary in Gorham, Maine and graduated in 1862.

In 1866, Annie's vocal talents fully emerged, and she decided to refine them by studying under Giovanni Corsi in Milan until January 1868. In 1868, she made her opera debut as a professional singer in Copenhagen. The following summer, Annie spent her time in Baden-Baden where she was mentored by Pauline Viardot. In the fall, she received a role in an Italian opera production in Stockholm conducted by Ferdinand Strakosch.

Two months later, Annie was invited to the Royal Swedish Opera, where she became the only singer to perform her part in Italian, rather than Swedish. The following summer, Annie spent time in Paris, continuing to refine her professional skills under the guidance of conductor and double bassist Giovanni Bottesini. In the fall, she moved to Brussels, where she signed a three-year contract with Maurice and Max Strakosch for performances in the United States. Annie spent the winter studying in Paris and then in London.

In September 1870, Annie Cary made her debut on the New York stage at a concert in Steinway Hall. She shared the stage with Nilsson, Henri Vieuxtemps, and Brignoli. For the next 20 years, Annie Louise Cary was one of the most sought-after opera and concert singers of her time, performing until the winter of 1875-1876 when she decided to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. The following year, she repeated her Russian tour and upon her return to America, she continued to perform in opera and concert presentations.

On June 29, 1882, Annie married Charles Monson Raymond, after which she significantly reduced her performances and focused on private and charitable concerts. She retired at the height of her career as the most popular singer in the country.