Kirsten Flagstad, born on July 12, 1895, in Hamar, was one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century. She grew up in a musical family, studied at the Oslo Conservatory of Music, and began her performing career in the National Theater’s production of the opera Lavlandet by Eugen d’Albert in 1913. Her international breakthrough came in 1935 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she impressed with her debut as Sieglinde in Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre.

Flagstad quickly became known for her powerful vocal range and technical brilliance. Her interpretations of roles in Wagner operas such as *Tristan und Isolde* and *Götterdämmerung* were particularly admired. Her ability to convey the depth of the characters and the emotional essence of the music made her one of the most sought-after soloists on the world stage.

Moved to Kristiansand

After marrying Henry Johansen of Kristiansand, the couple moved to Kristiansand and lived at Amalienborg from 1936 until she fell ill in 1960.

During World War II, Flagstad became embroiled in controversies that, after the war, led to accusations of collaboration with the Nazis. She claimed she had been forced to perform under duress. After a period of adversity, her name was cleared, and she returned to the stage in 1947.

Among the most acclaimed

Flagstad’s career continued successfully after the war, and she performed at leading opera houses such as Covent Garden in London and La Scala in Milan. In the late 1950s, she gradually retired from the stage but remained active in the music world through teaching and charitable projects. In 1958, she even became Norway’s first opera director. She received several awards, including the title of Commander of the Order of St. Olav.

Kirsten Flagstad died on December 7, 1962, but her influence on the opera world lives on. She remains one of the most celebrated sopranos of all time, particularly known for her contributions to the Wagner repertoire and as a pioneer in the art of opera.