Hammond, Joan (1912–1996)
Hammond, Joan (1912–1996)
New Zealand-born soprano and golfer. Name variations: Dame Joan Hammond. Born May 24, 1912, in Christchurch, New Zealand; died Nov 26, 1996; dau. of Samuel and Hilda (Blandford) Hammond; studied at Sydney Conservatory.
Debuted in Sydney (1929) before going to London to study with Dino Borgioli; made operatic debut at the Vienna Staatsoper (1938); was a member of the Carl Rosa Opera Company (1942–45); made Covent Garden debut (1949); her recording of "O, my beloved father" from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi sold over 1 million copies (1969); retired from singing (1971); became artistic director of the Victoria Opera and head of vocal studies at Victorian College of the Arts; had also played golf, winning the New South Wales (NSW) jr. championship (1929, 1930), the NSW Champion of Champions twice, and the NSW ladies' championship (1932, 1934,1935). Received the Sir Charles Santley award (for musician of the year) from the Worshipful Company of Musicians in London (1970); made a Dame of the British Empire (DBE, 1974).
See also autobiography, A Voice, A Life (1970); and Women in World History.