Lise Davidsen is married to the award-winning English filmmaker Ben Adler. While the Norwegian soprano commands the world's biggest opera stages with her powerhouse voice, her husband works behind the camera, creating documentary and narrative films.
The couple's relationship caught public attention when their paths crossed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, they've built a life together that bridges the distinct worlds of classical vocal performance and independent filmmaking. They live in Norway and welcomed twin sons in the spring of 2025.
How Lise Davidsen and Ben Adler Met
The story of how Lise Davidsen and Ben Adler crossed paths reads like a modern romance set against an unexpected backdrop. They met during lockdown when Adler saw the soprano perform in a production of Beethoven's Fidelio at the Royal Opera House.
At a time when live performance spaces were shuttered or severely restricted, that specific viewing left a lasting impression. What started as an artistic appreciation evolved into a personal connection. By September 2022, the pair were engaged, with Adler proposing to Davidsen in the scenic mountains of her native Norway.
Their relationship balances two demanding creative careers. While Davidsen travels internationally for grueling rehearsal schedules and performances at institutions like the Metropolitan Opera and the Vienna State Opera, Adler's filmmaking projects require their own intense periods of focus, writing, and editing.
Who is Ben Adler?
Ben Adler is an acclaimed English filmmaker known for his work in documentary and visual storytelling. Unlike his wife, who spends her evenings projecting unamplified sound over eighty-piece orchestras, Adler operates in the quieter, patient world of visual arts and film production.
He maintains a relatively low public profile, preferring to let his creative work speak for itself. He doesn't seek the spotlight that naturally follows a world-class opera star, which allows the couple to maintain a grounded domestic life away from the relentless scrutiny of the tabloid press.
Despite their different mediums, both share a deep commitment to narrative art. Whether through Wagnerian drama or cinematic framing, they understand the emotional discipline required to tell powerful stories to an audience.
Family Life and Balancing Careers
Balancing two demanding artistic careers requires careful logistics, especially after expanding their family. Davidsen and Adler welcomed twin sons in the spring of 2025, following a challenging period that included public hardships, such as Davidsen speaking openly about experiencing miscarriages prior to the successful birth of their twins.
Parenthood changed the rhythm of their touring and project schedules. Davidsen has spoken candidly about the emotional weight of returning to international stages shortly after becoming a mother, describing conversations with her husband about the mental hurdles of balancing intense global opera contracts with family life in Norway.
Adler plays a supportive role behind the scenes, helping navigate the complexities of managing home life while his wife performs major title roles across Europe and North America. You can read more about her career trajectory and recent performances on the Metropolitan Opera website or through profiles by major cultural outlets like the BBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lise Davidsen married?
Yes, Lise Davidsen is married to English filmmaker Ben Adler. The couple got engaged in September 2022 and later married.
Who is Lise Davidsen's husband?
Her husband is Ben Adler, an award-winning English filmmaker who works in documentary and visual storytelling.
How did Lise Davidsen and Ben Adler meet?
They met during the COVID-19 lockdown after Adler watched Davidsen perform in a production of Beethoven's Fidelio at the Royal Opera House.
Do they have children?
Yes, Lise Davidsen and Ben Adler welcomed twin sons together in the spring of 2025.
