Ruth Whitefield

Ruth Ester Althén née Whitefield (1890–1985) was a Swedish operatic soprano. Trained by Thekla Hofer and Ture Rangström, she made her début at the Royal Swedish Opera in 1915 with the title role in Aida. Engaged by the Royal Opera in 1918, she also performed in concerts.

Biography Born in Kristianstad on 11 September 1890, Ruth Ester Whitefield was the daughter of the businessman Nils Whitefield and his wife Ingrid née Hanson. She studied voice in Stockholm under Thekla Hofer, Ture Rangström and Haldis Ingebjart. She continued training in Berlin under Ernst Grenzebach and in Milan under Vittorio Maria Vanzo and Giannina Russ. In 1918 she married the organist and composer The marriage was dissolved in 1941. In 1927, she performed in the Swedish première of Turandot. She also performed in concerts.

Discography Ruth Althén is one of the singers on the His Master's Voice recording "Operan (Röster Från Stockholmsoperan Under 100 År" where she sings "Desdemonas Bön" from Verdi's Otello.