Artist Profile: Iréne Theorin, A Great Brünhilde of the 21st Century

By David Salazar

Iréne Theorin, born on June 18, 1963, is one of Sweden’s most renowned artists, known for her interpretations of the dramatic repertoire.

She studied at the Academy of Music and Drama of the University of Gothenburg, which led to a contract with The Göteborg Opera. Then she studied in Copenhagen, where she made her professional debut.

From there, her career has burgeoned and she has appeared with such companies as the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna State Opera, Mariinsky Theatre, Bayerische Staatsoper, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, Royal Swedish Opera, and La Scala in Milan, among others.

Signature Role

Theorin has performed a wide range of repertoire but there is no doubt that her work in Wagner’s operas, specifically “The Ring Cycle” are her signature roles. When Evelyn Herlitzius withdrew from San Francisco Opera’s production of the Ring, Theorin was quickly called in to take over. She famously recorded the cycle in Copenhagen in one of the best-known productions of the 21st century. She also appeared in the role in China’s first-ever Ring Cycle.

Read More on Iréne Theorin

A look at roles she has in common with Eva Marton

Watch and Listen

Here is her “Walküre” interpretation from Copenhagen.


And here is her Immolation Scene from “Götterdämmerung.”

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