A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Kellogg, Clara

KELLOGG, Clara Louise, though born in Sumterville, South Carolina, in July 1842, is of northern extraction. Her mother had considerable talent as a musician, and Clara was her only child. In 1856 they removed to New York, where she received the whole of her musical education. She made her first appearance there, at the Academy of Music (Opera), as Gilda in Rigoletto, in 1861, and sang that season 10 or 12 times. In 1867 (Nov. 2) she made her début in London at Her Majesty's as Margherita, sang constantly, and was re-engaged for the next year. From 1868 to 1872 she was touring in the United States. On May 11, 1872, she re-appeared in London at Drury Lane, Her Majesty's Opera, as Linda, and sang during that season also as Gilda. On her return to the United States she continued to sing in Italian opera till 1874, when she organised an English troupe, herself superintending the translation of the words, the mise en scéne, the training of the singers, and the rehearsals of the chorus. Such was her devotion to the project, that in the winter of 74–75 she sang no fewer than 125 nights. It is satisfactory to hear that the scheme was successful. Miss Kellogg's musical gifts are great. She is said to be familiar with thirty-five operas. She has great conscientiousness as an artist, ardent enthusiasm, and a voice of great compass and purity. In addition to which she has a remarkable talent for business and is never so happy as when she is doing a good or benevolent action.

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