Luigia Abbadia

Luigia Abbadia (1821 – 1896) was an Italian operatic mezzo-soprano known for her fine voice, secure technique and a strong temperament.

She was born in Genoa to composer Natale Abbadia. She studied music under her father before making her professional opera debut at Sassari in 1836. In 1840 she sang the role of Corilla in Donizetti’s "Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali" in Vienna. That same year she originated the role of Giulietta di Kelbar in the world premiere of Verdi's "Un giorno di regno" at La Scala. The following year she created the role of Ines in the original production of Donizetti's "Maria Padilla". Her other roles at La Scala included Marie in "La fille du régiment", Elvira in "Ernani", Emilia in Mercadante’s "La vestale" and the title role in Pacini’s "Saffò". After retiring from the stage in 1870 she established a singing school in Milan.

References

*cite encyclopedia | title = Abbadia, Luigia | encyclopedia = Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians | editor = Theodore Baker and Alfred Remy | edition = 3rd edition | year = 1919 | pages = 1 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=H2kNAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA1
*wikicite|id=idGroveMusicOnline|reference=Elizabeth Forbes: "Luigia Abbadia", "Grove Music Online" ed. L. Macy (Accessed September 23, 2008), [http://www.grovemusic.com (subscription access)]