Josefa Somellera facts for kids

Josefa Somellera Guiterrez Zavalla Rebollo (born in 1810, died in 1885) was a talented Argentine composer and singer. She was known professionally as Josefa Somellera. She created music and performed for audiences during her lifetime.

Her Early Life and Family

Josefa Somellera was born in Buenos Aires, a big city in Argentina. Her parents were Josefa Gutierrez Dominguez de Somellera y del Cerro and Andres Somellera del Cerro. She grew up in a very large family with 17 brothers and sisters! Her aunt, Candeleria Somellera de Espinosa, was also a musician. She was a composer and a pianist, and she was well-known in society. Josefa Somellera later married Juan Angel Zavalla Rebollo, and they had three children together.

Becoming a Musician

Josefa Somellera studied music and singing at a special school called the Escuela de Musica y Canto. Her teachers were Jose Antonio Picazarri and his nephew, Juan Pedro Esnaola. Her singing was so good that even a very famous opera singer named Adelina Patti praised her!

Her Music

Josefa Somellera composed several musical pieces. Some of her works were inspired by Argentine folklore, which means they used traditional stories and music from Argentina. She is most famous for her song called “The Death of Corina.” This song was dedicated to D. Corina Blanco and used words written by Juan Cruz Varela. Josefa Somellera passed away in Montevideo in 1885.