The career of soprano Elisabeth Söderström began in 1947 at the Drottningholm Palace Theatre with a performance in Mozart's Bastien et Bastienne. Over the next five decades, she established a reputation as a technically precise performer whose vocal versatility spanned from 17th-century compositions to the works of contemporary figures like György Ligeti.
Professional Trajectory
Born in Stockholm in 1927, Söderström received initial instruction from Adelaide von Skilondz before enrolling at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. She maintained a long affiliation with the Royal Swedish Opera from 1949 until 1980. Her international presence included a significant contract with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City between 1959 and 1964. During her later years, she returned to the stage of her debut to serve as the director of the Drottningholm Palace Theatre from 1993 until 1996.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Notable Performances and Recordings
Söderström gained recognition for her interpretations of Janáček, Sibelius, and Rachmaninoff. Her recordings of three Janáček operas—Jenůfa, Káťa Kabanová, and The Makropoulos Affair—earned Gramophone Awards. In 1978, she created the role of Amanda and Clitoria in Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre. Additionally, she collaborated with pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy to record the complete songs of Sergei Rachmaninoff. She concluded her stage career in 1999 with an appearance in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades at the Metropolitan Opera.
Literary and Personal Life
Beyond her vocal performances, Söderström documented her insights into the craft of singing in her 1978 book, I min tonart, which was later released in English as In My Own Key. She was married to commander Sverker Olow from 1950 until her death in 2009. She resided in Lidingö and was buried at the Galärvarvs Cemetery in Stockholm following her death from complications related to a stroke.
Distinctions and Awards
Her contributions to music were marked by numerous honours. These included the Litteris et Artibus in 1969 and the Swedish Academy's Theatre Award in 1965. She received international recognition as a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, a Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She also held the Royal Order of Vasa and the Medal for the advancement of the musical arts.
Fast facts
- Born: 1927, Stockholm
- Died: 2009, Stockholm
- Primary Occupation: Opera singer
- Education: Royal College of Music in Stockholm
- Spouse: Sverker Olow
- Final stage performance: 1999, The Queen of Spades
- Notable role creation: Amanda/Clitoria in Le Grand Macabre (1978)
Questions readers ask
Which operas did she perform that received Gramophone Awards?
She received the awards for her recordings of Janáček's Jenůfa, Káťa Kabanová, and The Makropoulos Affair.
What was her final role in an opera house?
Her last stage performance was in 1999, when she performed in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades at the Metropolitan Opera.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Swedish Academy's Theatre Award — 1965
- H. M. The King's Medal
- Royal Order of Vasa
- Commander of the Order of Vasa
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: classical music
