Andree, Elfrida (1841–1929)
Andree, Elfrida (1841–1929)
Swedish composer and organist. Born in Visby, Sweden, on February 19, 1841; died in Stockholm on January 11, 1929; daughter of W. Sohrling; sister of the noted opera singer Fredricka Stenhammar; studied at the Stockholm Conservatory under L. Norman and H. Berens.
Elfrida Andree was a modernist who broke many barriers that had limited women's musical activities. A pioneer of women's rights, she was the first woman telegraphist in Sweden. Music, however, was her initial love, and she was taught by her father before studying with Niels Gade. Though she was trained as a singer, Andree hoped to be an organist—a difficult feat since Swedish law forbade women organists. Eventually she was appointed organist of the Finnish Reformed Church from 1861 to 1867 and of the French Reformed Church in Stockholm from 1862 to 1867. Elected cathedral organist in Göteborg, she was then put in charge of its people's concerts, directing 800. Andree was the first woman to write an organ symphony; she also composed for the orchestra, piano, and chamber groups. In 1879, Elfrida Andree was one of the first women elected to the Swedish Academy of Music.
John Haag , Associate Professor of History, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia