Kirsten Flagstad

Kirsten Flagstad, the renowned Norwegian opera singer, stands as one of the most celebrated Wagnerian sopranos of the 20th century. Born in 1895, Flagstad's career spanned over four decades, marked by her powerful and consistent voice that captivated audiences worldwide. Her meteoric rise to fame began with her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1935, where she delivered a triumphant performance as Sieglinde, earning her the accolade as one of the greatest gifts to American opera alongside Enrico Caruso. Flagstad's repertoire included iconic roles such as Brünnhilde, Isolde, and Senta, which she performed at prestigious venues like the Bayreuth Festival, the Met, and Covent Garden. Despite the controversies surrounding her husband's pro-Nazi ties, Flagstad's artistic legacy endures through her extensive recordings and her influence on the world of opera. Her rich, refulgent tone and grand manner of singing continue to inspire and enchant opera enthusiasts and musicians alike.