Opera Singer. A coloratura soprano, she is remembered both for her pre-World War II career on the leading German stages and for her time as a distinguished voice teacher. Raised in the southeastern portion of her country, she began her vocal studies at 16, earned a degree in education, and took a teaching job in 1924. Still harboring musical ambitions, she gave her first public recital in 1926 and shortly thereafter bowed with the Finnish National Opera as the title lead of Leo Delibes’ “Lakme”. Lea began her international career with the Konigsburg Opera in 1930 and soon was in demand at the Berlin State Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and elsewhere, her roles including Konstanze of Mozart’s “The Abduction From the Seraglio”, Zerbinetta in Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos”, and her probable signature piece, the Queen of the Night from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. Selected to perform at Maestro Strauss’ 1939 75th birthday gala, she also did voice-overs for the 1942 film feature “Wiener Blut” but at the end of World War II found her career damaged due to her Nazi associations. In 1949 she began a teaching career that saw her train a number of notable students including dramatic soprano Anita Valkki and baritone Matti Salminen. Lea received the Pro Finlandia Award in 1956, maintained a concert career that saw her perform on both sides of the Atlantic up thru 1961, and continued teaching for many years. Much of her recorded legacy is preserved on CD. (bio by: Bob Hufford)
GREAT SINGERS OF THE PAST 