Agnes Marie Olsen

Biography

Agnes Marie Olsen was born on March 8, 1857 in Oslo, Norway to Gulbrand Olsen and Karen Simensen. Agnes began singing at a young age, first singing in her church primary children’s choir. Agnes’ voice developed rapidly, and soon she was invited to sing in the adult church choir at age twelve. Agnes was well known in the Oslo music community as an excellent singer.

In 1877, Agnes’ mother and youngest brother immigrated to Utah. Agnes longed to join them in Utah, but she could not afford it. She worked for a few years as a stewardess on a steamship to save money. By 1879, Agnes had saved enough money to buy passage to America. The Oslo music community mourned her loss.

Agnes arrived in America in July 1879. On her first Sunday in Salt Lake City, Agnes heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform. She instantly fell in love. She was determined to eventually join them. Until then, Agnes sang at local Scandinavian events and family events. Eventually, she became acquainted with the director of the Tabernacle Choir, who offered her a spot in the choir. Soon, Agnes even became a principal soloist of the choir.

Agnes frequently travelled with the Tabernacle Choir all across America, once even performing at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, where the choir won second place. Outside of her work with the Tabernacle Choir, Agnes also acted as choir director for the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society choir and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Choir. Agnes was also known to perform at any event: funerals, festivals, charity events, etc. In addition, Agnes often performed in her traditional Norwegian costume.

On July 23, 1884, Agnes married Welshman Moroni Julian Thomas, with whom she had nine children. They lived most of their lives in Salt Lake City.

Agnes Olsen Thomas died on January 24, 1948 in Salt Lake City, and the music community lost a voice. Agnes was buried in the Salt Lake City cemetery.