Catherine Hayes

Catherine Hayes [married name Bushnell] (October 29, 1825 – August 11, 1861) was the first Irish-born opera diva to achieve international acclaim. She was born at 4 Patrick Street, Limerick, Ireland, but her father deserted the family, causing great financial distress. The young Catherine Hayes worked as a charwoman at Lord Limerick's home at Henry Street where she sang as she worked and was heard by a Dr. Knox, the Church of Ireland Bishop. He a... more

Catherine Hayes [married name Bushnell] (October 29, 1825 – August 11, 1861) was the first Irish-born opera diva to achieve international acclaim. She was born at 4 Patrick Street, Limerick, Ireland, but her father deserted the family, causing great financial distress. The young Catherine Hayes worked as a charwoman at Lord Limerick's home at Henry Street where she sang as she worked and was heard by a Dr. Knox, the Church of Ireland Bishop. He arranged sponsorship for her to study under Antonio Sapio in Dublin where she gave her first public performance in 1839 at the age of 19. Seven years later Catherine Hayes was prima donna at La Scala, Milan and in 1849 she gave a Command Performance for Queen Victoria with the Royal Italian Opera Company. She returned to Limerick in March 1850 where she gave a performance of Bellini's La sonnambula at the Theatre Royal. Catherine Hayes toured extensively in Europe, America and Australia. She was the first Irish international star and the first... less