Marie Van Zandt by Benque

as Lakme in "Lakme" by Delibes CREATOR Opera Comique Paris 14/2/1883

MARIE VAN ZANDT
(October 8, 1858 – December 31, 1919)
American Soprano

Daughter of Jennie van Zandt , She studied in Milan with Francesco Lamperti, making her debut as Zerlina in Don Giovanni in Turin in 1879. Successful appearances followed, including at Covent Garden in 1879. She was only 21 signed a contract with the Opéra-Comique in 1880, making her debut as Mignon. It was the beginning of the glory. Léo Delibes composed his opera Lakmé for her, and she created the title role for its world premiere in 1883.Marie van Zandt made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Amina in Vincenzo Bellini's La sonnambula on December 21, 1891, remaining with the company for only one season, as usual. She returned to the Opéra-Comique in 1896 and revived some of her earlier success there, including Lakmé to huge enthusiasm in 1896, and Zerlina and Mignon in 1897 .She married with a Russian Count and went into retirement, staying in France