Opera Scotland

Edith Thallaug Suggest updates

Born Baerum, 16 June 1929.

Died Stockholm, 7 June 1990.

Norwegian mezzo-soprano.

Edith Thallaug spent her career largely in Sweden.  In 1960 she joined the Gothenburg Stora Theatre, making her debut as Dorabella.  In 1964 she moved to Stockholm, remaining under contract at the Royal Swedish Opera until 1982.  She was awarded the title of Court Singer in 1976. 

Her first appearance in the UK was in 1971 at Glyndebourne (Dorabella).  She performed at the 1974 Edinburgh Festival as a member of the Stockholm company (Title role in Werle's Vision of Thérèse).

Her range was wide, including Handel (Bradamante Alcina);  Mozart (Cherubino, Dorabella);  Wagner (Venus);  Verdi (Azucena) and Bizet (Carmen) as well as new works.