Who was Amanda Aldridg?
Aldridge was an Afro-British singer and opera teacher, who composed under the pseudonym Montague Ring. She was the daughter of Ira Aldridge, a well-known African-American Shakespearean actor born in London, England, in 1866.
Early Life and Education:
Amanda Aldridge was born in London on March 10, 1866, to African-American actor Ira Frederick Aldridge, who acted in Shakespeare’s plays, and his second wife, Amanda Brandt, of Sweden. One of her sisters was operatic contralto Luranah Aldridge, who almost became the first performer of African descent to perform at Bayreuth Opera.
However, she was forced to retire due to illness. When she grew up, Aldridge continued to study voice with Jenny Lind and George Henschel at the Royal College of Music, before pursuing a singing career at the Royal Conservatory of Music in London. Her career was cut short by a throat injury caused by laryngitis, but she was able to make a name for herself as a teacher, pianist and composer.
Death:
A day before turning 90, Aldridge died in London on March 9, 1956, after a brief illness. She was buried in Streatham Park Cemetery.
Conclusion:
The incredible African-American opera singer Amanda Ira Aldridge was in the late 19th and early 20th century. Century, as discussed in this article. Amanda Aldridge overcame challenges and opened doors for other African Americans in the classical music industry with her talent and tenacity.
