Caroline Richings

Caroline Mary Reynoldson Richings Bernard (13 May 1827 or 1832 - 14 January 1882), known professionally as Caroline Richings, was an Anglo-American composer, impresario, pianist and singer who managed her own opera company, sang in it, and composed works for it.

Biography Richings was born in Kensington, London, England, to composer Thomas Herbert Reynoldson and Caroline Louisa Fairbrother. The actor Peter Richings adopted her as an infant and they moved to America in 1833.

Little is known about Richings’ education. In 1847, she debuted as a pianist in Philadelphia. In 1852 she made her operatic debut as Marie in Gaetano Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment.

Richings sang in the Richings Grand Opera, which was founded by her adoptive father. She married Peter Bernard, a tenor with the company, on 25 December 1867.

Books

Oldde Folkes Tune Book Containing a Choice Collection of Songs and Choruses, as Sung by the Oldde Folkes at Their Popular Concerts

Opera

The Duchess

Vocal

“As Painting in the Sultry Beam”

“O Word of God Incarnate”

See the Pensive Moon Reclining (for choir)