Jenny Lind

Jenny Lind, born on 6 October 1820, was a celebrated Swedish opera singer, renowned as the 'Swedish Nightingale.' Her remarkable talent made her one of the most esteemed vocalists of the 19th century, captivating audiences with her soprano roles in opera across Sweden and Europe.

Her rise to fame began with her stunning performance as Agathe in Der Freischütz at the Royal Swedish Opera in 1838. Despite facing vocal challenges early in her career, the esteemed singing teacher Manuel García helped restore her voice, allowing her to flourish in the opera scene throughout the 1840s. Lind's association with composer Felix Mendelssohn further solidified her status as a leading figure in the world of music.

In 1850, at the invitation of showman P. T. Barnum, Lind embarked on a groundbreaking concert tour of the United States, performing 93 large-scale concerts. She earned more than three hundred fifty thousand dollars from these performances, generously donating the proceeds to charitable causes, particularly the establishment of free schools in Sweden.

After marrying Otto Goldschmidt, she returned to Europe in 1852 and settled in England by 1855. Over the next three decades, she had three children and continued to give occasional concerts. In 1882, she took on the role of professor of singing at the Royal College of Music in London, sharing her expertise with the next generation of musicians.