Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen

Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen (1886 – September 7, 1935) was an American operatic soprano. She was the president of the Twin City Music and Dramatic Club. Bessesen sang with the St. Olaf Choir and toured with it in Norway. She made successful concert tours in the U.S. and Europe, appearing with various European opera companies. She sang in practically all the leading centers of Europe, and was the prima donna in many big operas. She was a strong factor in developing cultural and artistic appreciation among Norwegian Minnesotans. She is the namesake of the Bessesen Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Minnesota.