Franziska Bender-Schäfer

Franziska Bender-Schäfer was a German mezzo-soprano who began her career at the Plauen City Theatre in 1900 before joining the Dresden Court Opera in 1901, where she remained until 1913. She created Ursula in the premiere of Strauss's Feuersnot in 1901 and the First Maid in the premiere of Elektra in 1909, and sang a wide Wagnerian and Verdian repertoire that included Brangäne, Erda and Amneris. She appeared as a guest at the Munich Court Opera and the Bayreuth Festival in 1910 and 1911, and with the Boston Opera and at Covent Garden in 1913 and 1914. From 1919 she taught at the Dresden Conservatory while continuing to give guest performances and pursuing a concert and oratorio career.