Ann Turner Robinson facts for kids

Ann Turner Robinson was a famous English singer, known as a soprano, who lived in the 1700s. She was especially well-known for singing in the operas of the famous composer George Frideric Handel.

Life of a Singer

Ann was the youngest daughter of William Turner. Her father was also a well-known composer and a type of singer called a countertenor. He lived around the same time as another famous composer, Henry Purcell.

On September 6, 1716, Ann married John Robinson, who was an organist. They had a daughter who grew up to be a singer too. Sadly, some of their other children died when they were very young.

Early Performances

Ann started performing for the public in 1718. In April of that year, she sang a special song called a cantata by Ariosti at the King's Theatre. The next year, she sang in a private concert. The famous composer Handel played music for her during this concert.

A writer named John Hughes said at the time that Ann's singing had improved a lot. He believed she was now one of the best English performers.

Working with Handel

Ann's performances clearly impressed Handel. In 1720, she sang in the first season of the Royal Academy of Music. She performed in operas by Porta and Domenico Scarlatti.

Most famously, she created the role of Polissena in Handel's opera Radamisto. This role showed how much Handel trusted her singing skills. The part required a wide vocal range and excellent singing at high notes.

Later Career

Ann Turner Robinson likely sang regularly between acts at the Drury Lane theatre from 1725 to 1726. She also performed in special concerts called "benefits" to earn money. In April 1726, she sang seven of Handel's opera songs at her benefit concert.

In a later benefit concert in March 1729, she sang as many as 14 of Handel's works. Most of these songs were originally written for other famous singers like Faustina Bordoni or Francesca Cuzzoni. In 1732, she sang in the first London performances of Handel's oratorios. She played an Israelite woman in Esther.

Ann Turner Robinson passed away on January 5, 1741, in London.