THE legacy of a world famous 19th century opera star is being revived in Malvern 125 years after her death.

Jenny Lind, often known as the Swedish Nightingale, was one of the most highly-regarded sopranos of her era.

She settled in Malvern later in her life and, after her death in 1887 aged 67, was buried in Great Malvern Cemetery to the solemn tunes of Chopin’s Funeral March.

She is still held in high regard today, illustrated by her image appearing on the Swedish 50-kr banknote since 1996, but members of Malvern Civic Society feel her legacy is worthy of a revival farther away from home.

They are planning on celebrating her dedication to music and various charitable causes with music, lectures and displays during next year’s Malvern Civic Week – already set for July 13-20, 2013.

The annual Fryderyk Chopin Festival in Malvern’s new Czech twin town Marianske Lazne has already been invited, along with the Brussels-based Icons of Europe association, which has been conducting a 10-year research project into her life.

But before then, members of Malvern Civic Society will visit her grave at 11am on Friday, the 125th anniversary of her death, to lay flowers and hold a simple service.

Roger Sutton, Malvern Civic Society’s chairman, said: “It’s time to revive and celebrate Jenny Lind’s legacy. She has touched and enriched the culture of not only Sweden and Britain, but also Europe and America.

“Malvern, with Jenny Lind still in its midst, is proud to provide a unique platform for this purpose”.

A booklet, Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale at Malvern by Malvern councillor Roger Hall-Jones is available from First Paige in Abbey Road.