Fonds 1017 - Sarah E. Fischer Collection

Sarah Fischer was born in Paris, France, moved as a young girl to England, where she attended grade school. In 1909, at the age of 13, she and her parents came to Canada and they settled in Montreal. In Montreal, Fischer was employed as a long distance operator during the day, and at night took free singing lessons at the Monument Nationale. In 1917, Fischer won the Strathcona Award which enabled her to go to London, England on a three-year scholarship at the Royal College of Music. She left Montreal in 1919 and with a few interruptions spent the next 21 years of her life abroad.

She sang in major opera houses in Europe, gave numerous radio recitals and concerts and earned good reviews. She was considered a most lyrical soprano with a beautiful appearance and good acting ability. She performed extensively in Europe and in Canada, becoming an international opera star.

She retired from the stage in 1941 and spent the rest of her life as an opera teacher and concert administrator. She lived in Montreal for the next 35 years, until she died on May 3, 1975, Fischer spent most of her time organizing the Sarah Fischer Concerts, where young musicians got a chance to appear in public and show their talent. Many prominent Canadian musicians got their start with these concerts.