Kerstin Thorborg Swedish opera singer, mezzo-soprano Date of Birth: 19.05.1896 Country: Sweden

1. Biography of Kerstin Thorborg
2. Early Career and Education
3. International Success
4. European Engagements
5. International Recognition
6. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Kerstin Thorborg

Kerstin Thorborg was a Swedish opera singer, mezzo-soprano, and one of the greatest operatic and concert performers of her time. She was born on May 19, 1896, in the small town of Venjan, Sweden. Her parents, the editor of a newspaper in Northern Sweden, instilled in her a love for music from an early age.

Early Career and Education

After studying with a local teacher, Thorborg successfully competed for a place at the Stockholm Opera's school. Out of more than 1000 applicants, only three were selected, and Thorborg was among them. She completed her training in singing, dancing, and stagecraft and made her debut at the Stockholm Opera in "Aida" in 1924. Her performance as Ortrud in the same year established her as a rising star.

International Success

Thorborg's career reached its peak during the 1930s and 1940s. Critics from London to New York praised her vocal mastery, extraordinary artistry, and wide repertoire. Known for her attractive appearance and exceptional dramatic abilities, she was considered one of the best actresses on the opera stage. Alongside her colleagues such as Frida Leider, Kirsten Flagstad, Lotte Lehmann, Lauritz Melchior, and Friedrich Schorr, Thorborg played a significant role in the golden age of Wagnerian opera.

European Engagements

After leaving the Stockholm Opera in 1930, Thorborg accepted invitations from the National Theatre in Prague and then the Nuremberg Opera House. Following successful performances in both theaters, she was invited to Berlin, where she sang at the Deutsche Oper Berlin from 1932 to 1935 under the mentorship of renowned conductor Bruno Walter. From 1935 to 1938, she performed at the Vienna Staatsoper and also appeared at the Salzburg Festival from 1935 to 1937.

International Recognition

In 1936, Thorborg made her debut at Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera, astounding critics with her unmatched talent. English music critic Ernest Newman considered her performance as Fricka in "Die Walküre" to be the best he had ever seen. She continued to perform at the Metropolitan Opera for 15 seasons, becoming one of the leading interpreters of Wagner's repertoire. Thorborg's exceptional abilities led her to be recognized as the greatest Wagnerian actress of her time.

Later Years and Legacy

Thorborg also performed in Buenos Aires and had engagements in San Francisco and Chicago. In 1950, she returned to Sweden and retired from the stage. Outside of her musical career, Thorborg was known as a keen sportswoman, with interests in swimming and target shooting.

Kerstin Thorborg passed away on April 12, 1970, in Hedemora, Sweden. Her contributions to the world of opera and her outstanding performances in Wagnerian roles have securely placed her in the annals of musical history.