Christine Nielson Dreier

Christine Nielson Dreier ( Dorothea Christine Nielson; stage name, Christine Nielson; June 10, 1866 – May 15, 1926) was an American concert and oratorio singer, a contralto of wide range. She was soloist in Chicago's First Presbyterian Church for 18 years. Dreier also performed at the Exposition Universelle (Paris, 1889) and the World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago, 1893).

Early life and education Dorothea Christine Nielson born in Madison, Wisconsin, June 10, 1866. Of Norwegian parentage, the father was Andrew Nielson (1830–1897) and the mother was Cecilia (Baerntson) Nielson (1828–1894). she sang in oratorios, notably Mendelssohn's Elijah, with Lillian Nordica. In later life, she sang for a time in the Evanston First Presbyterian church and in the New England church.

Appearances Dreier is mentioned by the name Christine Nilsson in the opening line of Edith Wharton’s acclaimed novel The Age of Innocence. It reads, “On a January evening of the early seventies, Christine Nilsson was singing in Faust at the Academy of Music in New York.” A few pages later mention is made of “Faust-Capoul,” a reference to Victor Capoul.

Personal life Dreier retained her maiden name on the stage, although on June 4, 1891, she married Otto Albert Dreier (b. 1865). after undergoing an operation a few days earlier.