Australian opera singer Joan Sutherland dies at 83

[News_Editor]

Australian opera singer Joan Sutherland dies at 83

2010-10-12 15:41:18 GMT+7 (ICT)

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (BNO NEWS) -- Australian opera singer Joan Sutherland died on Sunday morning at 83 years old due to a long illness in her residence in Switzerland, Decca Records announced.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the great Australian soprano Dame Joan Sutherland, known by her legions of fans as 'La Stupenda', who has died at the age of 83."

The opera soprano was considered a legend due to her magnificent voice and her transcendental performances that held audiences captive worldwide. She was one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time.

"She's a very important person all over the world, but for us this is our family and we're just trying to come to terms with this,'' her daughter-in-law said. ''She's had a long life and gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people."

Sutherland's stage career began in 1951 in her native Sidney, Australia, in a production of Judith by Eugene Gossens; one year later she was awarded a contract with Covenant Garden. She recorded for over 30 years including 40 recordings of 33 different operas, operatic highlights, anthologies and collections.

The acclaimed soprano was best known for her performance of Lucia in Donizzetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, a role that rocketed her into international stardom. During her whole career, Sutherland played the role of Lucia for 233 times.

In 1960 Joan Sutherland recorded what can only be described as one of the most famous vocal recitals in the history of the gramophone, The Art of The Prima Donna. One year later, in 1961, the opera legend won the Grammy for the best classical performer of the year.

She got married with the conductor Richard Bonynge and together procreated a son, Adam. Her last-ever performance was alongside Marilyn Horne and Luciano Pavarotti at The Royal Opera House in London on December 31, 1989.

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