Abarbanell, Lina, 1879-1963

Lina Abarbanell (1879-1963) was a Jewish American opera singer. She sang in public from the age of seven, performing with opera companies in her native Germany, touring Europe, and giving command recitals before royalty. In 1905 she and her husband and daughter came to the United States, and Abarbanell embarked on a thirty-year career giving concerts and performances around the country. After the death of her husband in 1934 she retired from performing but continued to work in the theatre as a casting director and Broadway producer.

From the guide to the Lina Abarbanell Collection, 1910-1911, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)

Lina Abarbanell, light opera star, director, music coach and artistic consultant was born in Germany in 1880.

She began her stage career at the age of 14 singing the role of "Adele" in FLEDERMAUS at the Royal Opera House in Berlin. After emigrating to the United States she sang lead roles in THE MERRY WIDOW, MADAME SHERRY, THE RED CANARY, MISS PRINCESS and FLORA BELLA, to name a few. At the advice of David Belasco she began working on the dramatic stage in his production of THE GRAND DUKE. Other works included ENTER MADAME, FATA MORGANA, SPARKLING BURGUNDY and THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL, among others. She directed productions of CHAMPAGNE SEC and THE CHIMES OF NORMANDY. Other production credits include BABES IN ARMS, ON YOUR TOES, THE COUNTRY GIRL, CARMEN JONES, PORGY AND BESS and SHOWBOAT.

From the description of Lina Abarbanell papers, 1886-1963. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 86164293