Selma Ek Swedish opera soprano Date of Birth: 03.09.1856 Country: Sweden

1. Selma Ek: The Versatile Soprano of the 19th Century
2. Early Life and Education
3. Professional Debut and Royal Swedish Opera
4. Extensive Repertoire in Stockholm
5. International Appearances and Concert Career
6. Later Life and Legacy

Selma Ek: The Versatile Soprano of the 19th Century

Selma Ek was a renowned Swedish soprano whose career spanned from the 1870s to the 1890s. Like Lilli Lehmann and Lillian Nordica, she possessed a versatile talent, excelling in coloratura, lyric, and dramatic soprano roles alike.

Early Life and Education

Born in Stockholm on September 3, 1856, Ek studied at the Royal College of Music, Stockholm, from 1873 to 1878 under Ellen Bergman and Julius Günther. She later received vocal lessons from the legendary Pauline Viardot in Paris.

Professional Debut and Royal Swedish Opera

Ek's professional debut took place in 1878 at the Royal Swedish Opera as Agathe in Carl Maria von Weber's "Der Freischütz." She quickly became a leading soprano for the company, remaining a member until 1890 and continuing to perform as a guest artist until 1896.

Extensive Repertoire in Stockholm

In Stockholm, Ek built an extensive repertoire. Her most notable roles included Desdemona in Verdi's "Otello," Elisabeth in Wagner's "Tannhäuser," Donna Elvira in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Eva in Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg," Juliette in Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette," and the title role in Bizet's "Djamileh."

International Appearances and Concert Career

In 1880, Ek sang Aida in its Swedish premiere. She toured with the Royal Swedish Opera to Copenhagen and Gothenburg in 1883 and performed at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin in 1890. She also remained active as a concert singer in Sweden and gave several concerts in Germany.

Later Life and Legacy

Selma Ek died on May 3, 1941, at the age of 94. Through her will, she established the "Operasångerska Selma Ek fond," a foundation dedicated to supporting young opera singers. Her artistic legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of performers.