Biography

Jenny Lind (Johanna Maria Lind and later Madame Jenny Lind-Goldschmidt) was a Swedish opera singer, often called the "Swedish Nightingale" for her talents. She was born at Stockholm, Sweden. Lind was raised partially by her parents and partially by a church organist. In the late 1820's she began taking classes in singing, elocution, and dancing. In 1830 she made her first appearance, in a play called "The Polish Mine." Throughout the 1830's her popularity increased, as she continued to perform children's roles at the Royal Theater. She was given a fixed salary at the theatre in 1837. In 1838 she began performing in Opera's, including as "Julia" in Spontini's "La Vestale" and as "Alice" in "Robert le Diable" and as "Pamina" in Mozart's "The Magic Flute." In 1841, she moved to Paris to study under Signor Garcia. She quickly learned French and Italian. In the mid 1840's she travelled to Germany and Austria, to learn German and to perform. In 1847, she made her debut in England. In 1850 Jenny Lind entered in a contract with P.T. Barnum to perform in the United States and Havana. She spent two years traveling and performing in North America. In Boston on February 5, 1852, she married Mr. Otto Goldshmidt, a German composer who had studied with her in Germany. They had three children. After returning from America Jenny Lind settled in Dresden and began founding schools while singing occasionally in concerts. She died in London in 1887.

In the 18510609 letter from FMS to AHS, Frances says that FWS is going to New York and might attend  Jenny Lind’s final concert.