Abarbanell, Lina

Biography

Lina Abarbanell (January 3, 1879 – January 6, 1963) was an American soprano who performed in grand and light opera and musical comedy. She made her debut at fourteen as Adele in the operetta Die Fledermaus, at the Royal Opera House in Berlin. She was first introduced to American theatergoers in 1905 as the soubrette in the Josef Strauss operetta Frühlingsluft (Spring Air). Abarbanell made opera history later that year as Hänsel in The Met's debut production of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel.

Achievements

Abarbanell had a notable career on Broadway and in theaters across America for nearly thirty years. Her most prominent role was as Mademoiselle Martinet in The Grand Duke. She also worked as a casting director and producer after her husband's death in 1934, remaining active in theater until the end of her life.

Fun facts

Abarbanell was born in Berlin to a musical family and began performing at a young age. Her husband, Eduard Goldbeck, was a political writer who relocated to the United States in 1911. Abarbanell also served as a casting consultant for the 1954 film Carmen Jones.