Maddalena Laura Sirmen

Maddalena Laura Sirmen (; 9 December 1745 – 18 May 1818), commonly known as Madame Sirmen, was an Italian composer, violinist, and opera singer of the musical Classical period.

Biography Birth and background Maddalena Laura Lombardini was born on 9 December 1745 in Venice. Her parents, Piero Lombardini and his wife, Gasparina (née Gambirasi), were poor, though they came from noble origins.

At a young age, Maddalena showed musical talent and later began her studies at San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti. Whilst attending San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti, Maddalena received violin lessons from Giuseppe Tartini, visiting him in Padua. By the age of fourteen, she was teaching violin.

In 1785, in Paris, Maddalena delivered her last performance as a violinist. After she ended her solo career, Maddalena returned to Italy, where she died on 18 May 1818 at the age of 72.