# Kathleen Ferrier

> English contralto singer (1912–1953)

**Wikidata**: [Q240922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q240922)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Ferrier)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kathleen-ferrier

## Summary
Kathleen Ferrier was an English contralto singer (1912–1953) who became a prominent figure in classical music, particularly known for her performances of operatic roles and her association with the record label Decca. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music.

## Biography
- Born: April 22, 1912, in London, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Education: Trained at the Royal Academy of Music
- Known for: Her powerful contralto voice and recordings of operatic works
- Employer(s): Decca Records
- Field(s): Classical music, opera singing

## Contributions
Kathleen Ferrier recorded numerous operatic works for Decca Records, including roles in *Aida*, *La Traviata*, and *The Magic Flute*. Her recordings were highly regarded for their technical precision and emotional depth. She also performed in live concerts and operas, contributing to the preservation and promotion of classical music.

## FAQs
**What was Kathleen Ferrier known for?**
Kathleen Ferrier was known for her powerful contralto voice and her recordings of operatic works, particularly for Decca Records. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music.

**Where did Kathleen Ferrier work?**
Kathleen Ferrier was associated with Decca Records, where she recorded many operatic works. She also performed in live concerts and operas.

**What awards did Kathleen Ferrier receive?**
Kathleen Ferrier received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music.

**What was Kathleen Ferrier's nationality?**
Kathleen Ferrier was British, born in London, United Kingdom.

## Why They Matter
Kathleen Ferrier's recordings and performances significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of classical music, particularly in the era of recorded sound. Her work with Decca Records helped establish the label as a leader in classical music recordings. Her influence extended to future generations of singers and music enthusiasts, ensuring that her interpretations of operatic works remain part of the musical canon.

## Notable For
- Recorded numerous operatic works for Decca Records, including roles in *Aida*, *La Traviata*, and *The Magic Flute*
- Awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music
- Trained at the Royal Academy of Music, contributing to the development of classical singing techniques
- Performed in live concerts and operas, promoting classical music to a wider audience

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kathleen Ferrier was born on April 22, 1912, in London, United Kingdom. She received her training at the Royal Academy of Music, where she honed her skills as a singer. Her education laid the foundation for her career in classical music.

### Career and Recordings
Kathleen Ferrier began her career as an opera singer, performing in various productions and concerts. She gained prominence for her powerful contralto voice and her ability to convey emotion through her performances. Her recordings for Decca Records, including works by Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, were highly regarded for their technical precision and artistic depth.

### Notable Performances
Ferrier's performances included roles in *Aida*, *La Traviata*, and *The Magic Flute*. Her recordings of these operas became classic interpretations, preserving her voice and artistry for future generations. She also performed in live concerts, bringing classical music to audiences worldwide.

### Awards and Recognition
Kathleen Ferrier received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music. This award recognized her significant impact on the field of classical singing and her dedication to the art form.

### Legacy
Kathleen Ferrier's legacy endures through her recordings and performances, which continue to be studied and admired by musicians and music enthusiasts. Her work with Decca Records helped shape the classical music recording industry, and her interpretations of operatic works remain influential in the world of classical music.

## References

1. [Source](https://kathleenferrier.org.uk/kathleenferrier)
2. [FemBio database](https://www.fembio.org/biographie.php/frau/biographie/kathleen-ferrier)
3. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kathleen-Ferrier)
4. Integrated Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. datos.bne.es
7. Find a Grave
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. SNAC
13. FemBio database
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. A historical dictionary of British women
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Ferrier%20Kathleen)
18. CONOR.SI
19. BBC Things
20. The Guardian
21. LIBRIS. 2003
22. performing-arts.ch
23. Catalogo of the National Library of India