Catharine Simonsen

Catharine Elisabeth Simonsen née Ryssländer (7 March 1816 – 3 May 1849) was a Danish soprano who performed in operas at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. In 1843, she was awarded the prestigious title of Royal Chamber Singer by King Christian VIII.

Biography Born on 7 March 1816 in Copenhagen, Catharine Rysslaender was the daughter of the Finnish house painter Niels Rysslaender and Juliane Marie Strøm, a Swede. Although she was brought up in a poor environment, her musical talents were recognized at an early age. When she was eight, she was given piano and singing lessons.

From 1829, she attended Giuseppe Siboni's conservatory, continuing to receive instruction from him until his death ten years later.

In the 1840s, as Italian opera became increasingly popular, she excelled in works by Donizetti, Bellini, Rossini and Verdi.