Phillipps, Adelaide (1833–1882)
Phillipps, Adelaide (1833–1882)
English-born actress and opera singer. Born in Stratford-on-Avon, England, on October 26, 1833; died at Karlsbad, Germany, on October 3, 1882; interred in Winslow Cemetery, Marshfield, Massachusetts; daughter of Alfred Phillipps (an attorney) and Mary (Rees) Phillipps (a dancing teacher); never married; no children.
Adelaide Phillipps was born at Stratford-on-Avon, England, in 1833; her family emigrated to America in 1840. Her mother taught dancing, and Adelaide began a career on the Boston stage at age ten. But in 1850 her talent for singing became evident, and through Jenny Lind and others she was sent to London and to Italy to study. In 1855, she returned to America an accomplished vocalist; for many years she was the leading American contralto, equally successful in oratorio and on the concert platform.