Josipina Eleonora Hudovernik

Josipina Hudovernik, sister Marija Eleonora, (March 25, 1863 – March 1, 1945) was a Slovenian music teacher, headmistress and composer. She wrote and composed the popular Slovenian Christmas carol "Dete rajsko, Dete sveto" (Heavenly Child, Holy Child).

Early life Josipina Eleonora was born on March 25, 1863 in Radovljica into a religious Slovene family. Her mother was an innkeeper, Lucija Oman,

Career She studied music privately, piano with conservatory teacher Valentine Karinger and organ with Anton Foerster. She later studied singing with Berta de Pop-Stockert. She passed the special examination in singing, piano and organ with distinction in 1893. Due to her talent, she soon became a recognized organist and composer. She first worked as a music teacher at a school for girls, and later was its headmistress between 1903 and 1923, when she retired. She is credited with over 120 choral compositions, mostly written for the monastery choir and for the girls' school. She died on March 1, 1945, in Ljubljana.

Awards In 1937 she received an award for her artistic work: the Order of the Yugoslav Crown, Fifth Class.

Legacy Her Christmas carol "Dete rajsko, Dete sveto" (Heavenly Child, Holy Child) is one of most popular Slovene Christmas carols.