Woman of the Century/Minnie Hauk

HAUK, Minnie, operatic singer, born in New York City, 16th November, 1852. Her father. Professor Hauk, was a German, and her mother was an American. She retains her maiden name on the stage. MINNIE HAUK. In private life she is known as the wife of Chevalier Ernst Von Hesse-Wartegg, the well-known traveler, to whom she was married in 1881. When she was a child, her parents moved to the West, settling in Kansas, near Leavenworth. They made their home in New Orleans, La., in 1855, where they lived during the Civil War. Minnie early showed her musical talent and inclination. A wealthy friend made it possible for her to receive a thorough musical education. Her first public appearance was in a charity concert in New Orleans, in 1865. In 1867 she went to New York City, where she sang in the choir in Christ Church and studied with Errani. In 1868 she made her debut as Amina in "La Sonnambula," in New York City, and her success was complete. She won the critics and the public, and ever since that year she has ranked among the most popular of American singers. She made a successful tour of the United States, and then went to London, England, where she sang with brilliant success in Covent Garden, in October, 1868. In 1869 she sang in the Grand Opera, Vienna, and she related her triumphs in Moscow, Berlin, Brussels and Paris for several successive seasons. In Brussels. 2nd January, 1878, she created her famous role of Carmen. She studied with Richard Wagner, learning two r6les, Elsa and Senta, from him. Her repertory is an extensive one. She is both a superb singer and a powerful actor. Her impersonations have the force and truth of life. Madame Hank is as happy in her domestic life as she is successful in her profession.