Nina Grieg

Nina Grieg (Hagerup) (1845–1935) – a Danish-Norwegian lyric soprano and singing teacher. At the age of eight, she moved with her parents from Bergen to Copenhagen, where she studied singing and piano. She made her debut there in 1863 as a singer and in that same year became engaged to her cousin, Edvard Grieg (her father was Herman Hagerup, brother of the composer’s mother). On 11 June 1867, the betrothed couple were wed. The Griegs had one daughter, Alexandra, who was born on 10 April 1868, but died shortly afterwards from encephalitis.

Nina performed with success in Europe with her husband, who regarded her as the best interpreter of his songs. She often accompanied Edvard on his concert travels, looking after his health. She was his confidante and adviser on artistic matters. Growing problems led to the couple separating for six months in 1883. After her husband’s death (1907), she survived him for twenty-eight years, taking care of her husband’s legacy. She died in Copenhagen and was buried on 15 June 1936 alongside her husband in Troldhaugen.