Sutherland, Joan (1926–)

Australian-born opera singer. Name variations: Dame Joan Sutherland. Born Nov 7, 1926, in Sydney, Australia; attended Rathbone School of Dramatic Art, Sydney; Covent Garden Opera school, London; m. Richard Bonynge (conductor), 1954.

Particularly renowned for work in bel canto operas, became one of the most celebrated opera stars of 20th century; made public debut as singer in chorus of Bach's Christmas Oratorio (1946); made solo debut the same year in concert performances of Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas and Handel's Acis and Galatea; moved to London (1951), enrolling in Royal College of Music; hired by Covent Garden Opera, London (1952); began to establish her famed versatility, appearing in 3 different roles in Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann; also appeared in von Weber's Der Freitschutz to critical praise (1954) and in Zeffirelli's production of Handel's Alcina in Venice (1960); as Lucia, debuted at Paris Opera (1960), and La Scala Opera in Milan and NY's Metropolitan Opera (1961); now in demand, began a 30-year, globe-trotting career; triumphed in 1st return tour of her native Australia (1965); retired from performing (1990), making final appearances in Sydney Opera House in Les Huguenots, followed by a gala appearance at Covent Garden in which she sang duets with Pavarotti and Marilyn Horne; throughout long career, most notable roles include title role in Lucia di Lammermoor, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, title role in Alcina, Amina in La Sonnambula (her favorite), Elvira in I Puritani, title role Norma, and Marie in La Fille du Regiment. Named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1961) and Dame Commander (DBE, 1979), the 2nd Australian singer to be honored (the 1st being Nellie Melba, 1918); named Companion of the Order of Australia (1975) and "Australian of the Year" (1989).

See also autobiography A Prima Donna's Progress (Regnery, 1997); Brian Adams, La Stupenda: A Biography of Joan Sutherland (Hutchinson, 1980); Russell Braddon, Joan Sutherland (St. Martin, 1962); Norma Major, Joan Sutherland (Queen Anne Press, 1987); Richard Bonynge, Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge: With the Australian Opera (Gordon & Breach, 1990); and Women in World History.