Noteworthy Norwegians

Five leading sopranos and mezzos

Kirsten Flagstad (1895-1962)

One of the world’s greatest sopranos (pictured above), Flagstad shot to fame with her 1935 New York Met debut as Sieglinde in Die Walküre. Wagner remained at the core of her repertoire, though not exclusively so; in 1950 Flagstad gave the world premiere of Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs. Her statue looks over Oslo Opera House.

Eva Nansen (1858-1907)

Born Eva Sars, she made her operatic debut in 1881 before enjoying a career as a song recitalist and giving the premiere of Grieg’s Haugtussa. A major campaigner for women’s participation in winter sports, she married the celebrated explorer Fridtjof Nansen.

Ingrid Bjoner (1927-2006)

Born to a farming family in Kråkstad, Bjoner (left) initially trained as a pharmacist before her vocal talent was recognised. Like Flagstad, she specialised in Wagner and Strauss.

Solveig Kringelborn (b1963)

A lyric soprano, Kringlebotn (to use the Norwegian spelling) leapt to fame in 1991 with her BBC Proms debut singing the premiere of Lutos¯awski’s Chantefleurs et Chantefables. She has since distinguished herself in opera.

Mari Eriksmoen (b1983)

Another lyric soprano, Eriksmoen has been compared to the late Lucia Popp for the quality and intelligence of her singing. Her new album, reviewed p76, includes Britten’s Les illuminations.