Caroline Ridderstolpe

Caroline Johanna Lovisa Ridderstolpe, née Kolbe (2 September 1793 – 8 October 1878) was a Swedish composer and singer. She was an honorary member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. She was also a lady-in-waiting at court.

Life Ridderstolpe was born in Berlin, the daughter of the chapel conductor, Carl Kolbe. Her parents were Louise Requigny, a lady-in-waiting, and Carl Kolbe, a kapellmeister. She was taught music by her father, learning to sing and to play several musical instruments. She may also have studied composition with composer Carl Maria von Weber. In 1816 married the Swedish governor, count Fredrik Ludvig Ridderstolpe, and the couple had two children. She was widowed in 1852, although lived separately to her husband for several years prior to his death. Ridderstolpe died in 1878 at Fiholm Castle in Västmanland.

Aurora von Qvanten published a biography of Ridderstolpe under the pseudonym Turdus Merula (the Latin name of the blackbird).