Selma Ek

Like Lilli Lehmann and Lillian Nordica, she was one of those universally talented singers of the late 19th century who was able to master roles from the coloratura, lyric, and dramatic soprano repertoires.

The leading Swedish soprano of her day, she was particularly admired for her portrayals of Mozart, Wagner, and Verdi heroines.

[1] Shortly after her debut, Ek was offered a long-term contract with the Royal Swedish Opera, and she was a member of that house up through 1890.

She sang a wide repertoire in Stockholm, portraying such roles as Desdemona in Otello, Elisabeth in Tannhäuser, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Eva in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, Kristine Gyllenstierna in Johann Gottlieb Naumann's Gustaf Wasa, Philine in Mignon, the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, Reiza in Oberon, Sieglinde in Die Walküre, Valentine in the Les Huguenots, and the title role in Djamileh.

In her will she left 100,000 Swedish kronor to start the "Operasängerska Selma Ek fond", an organization dedicated to supporting talented young opera singers.