She started her singing career in 1924 and studied with Ellen Gulbranson, additionally with Antonio Votto in Milano (1932) and with Sarah Cahier (1935). Her international career was supported by Bruno Walter. She sang at the State Opera in Vienna (1935-37), performed at the Festspiele in Salzburg (1936-38), participated in Verdi’s Requiem under Fritz Busch in Stockholm (1937) and performed in Bayreuth (1939) under Nazi-activist Heinz Tietjen. During the years of occupation she gave many clandestine concerts in Norway.
