Dame Joan Sutherland was one of the greatest soprano singers of her time, with a legacy of thousands of recordings which will remain a benchmark in the field. She died at aged 83 in her home near Geneva on October 10.
She debuted in Venice in the 1960’s and was thereon in known as “La Stupenda” to the Italians. The Australian-born operatic legend was considered a versatile singer, with the vocal weight to carry off Wagnerian classics, to the high notes of a classic soprano.
One of the most significant figures in her life, both personally and professionally was pianist and vocal coach Richard Bonynge. Bonynge helped her to master and develop her upper registry, which he felt was her greater asset, although up until that time she was more known for being able to belt out a Wagnerian ballad. Sutherland married Bonynge in 1954.
Sutherland was an instant hit, with her commanding presence and voice attracting fans and critical acclaim. Sutherland herself was quite self conscious about her stature, as a woman both curvy and tall, however she reportedly delighted to meet a tall, ‘lumpy’ Italian tenor after his English debut, because she felt better about her own size. His was of course, Luciano Pavarotti.
Sutherland, whose mother was also an opera singer, travelled and performed widely with Pavarotti, whom he called "the greatest female voice of all time." She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth of England in 1978 and is survived by her husband, their son and two grandchildren.
