Justina Casagli facts for kids
Justina Kristina Casagli (born Wässelius, 4 October 1794 – 1841) was a very famous Swedish opera singer. She was known all over the world. Justina performed in countries like Italy and Germany. She was also a member of the important Royal Swedish Academy of Music.
Early Life and Training
Justina followed in her older sister's footsteps. In 1805, she joined the Dramatens elevskola. This was a special school for young actors and singers. She learned a lot there from her teacher, Sofia Lovisa Gråå.
While at the school, Justina performed in many student shows. She then joined the Royal Swedish Opera from 1812 to 1818. In 1812, she married an Italian ballet dancer named Luigi Casagli. After that, she became known as Justina Casagli.
A Rising Star in Sweden
People described Justina Casagli as beautiful and full of life. She had a very flexible voice. Her acting skills were also perfect. Like her sister, who was a top singer, Justina was one of the most important performers at the Royal Opera.
In 1817, Justina Casagli became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Her sister and another great singer, Anna Sofia Sevelin, joined the Academy in the same year. This showed how talented Justina was.
An International Opera Career
In 1818, Justina left Sweden with her husband. She made her first big performance in Italy. This was in the opera La Cenerentola by Gioachino Rossini. Her performance in Turin was a huge success.
For the next few years, Justina toured Italy. She became the first Swedish opera singer to have a successful career around the world. In 1823, she performed in Rossini's La donna del lago in Rome. Her success was so great that people said she had "made herself immortal."
In 1827, she performed in Il matrimonio segreto by Domenico Cimarosa in Lucca. This performance also brought her much fame. After touring, she found a permanent job. From 1827 to 1831, she worked at the National Theatre Munich in Munich, Germany.
Later Life
In 1831, Justina's husband passed away. She then returned to Sweden. She tried to get a job back at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. However, she was not given a position. People worried that her voice might have been damaged. Also, another singer, Henriette Widerberg, had taken over her old roles.
Justina Casagli spent her final years in Parma, Italy. She passed away there in 1841.
