Bernadine Hamakers by Reutlinger

BERNADINE HAMAKERS
(Caroline Frederique Bernadine Hamakers)
(12 June 1836 - 24 October 1912)
Belguim Soprano

She was the daughter of a soldier and was discovered by de Morny . Hamakers sang the baptismal mass at the baptism of the Prince Imperial in Notre Dame cathedral in June 1856. She created Benoni in "La Reine de Saba" by Gounod at Salle Le Peletier on February 28, 1862. Her many roles in Paris included Isabelle in "Robert de Diable" by Meyerbeer , Rachel in "La Juive" by Halevy , Isolier in 'Le Comte Ory " by Rossini , Ninka in " La dieu et la Bayadere" by Auber , Elvire in " La Musette de Portica" by Auber , Mathilde & Jemmy in "William Tell" by Rossini , Urbain & Marguerite in " Les Huguenots" Meyerbeer , She held the favour of the Paris public until her death, and one of her “stunts,” as Gilda in “Rigoletto,” by verdi was to trill, watch in hand, for a full minute or more.