Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC DBE (b. 1926 )
1961 Award

Leading Soprano

Born in Sydney, Sutherland studied at the Royal College of Music in London, making a successful debut at Convent Garden in 1952 in The Magic Flute. In 1959 she launched her international career with a stunning performance as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. She appeared regularly with the Australian Opera during 1976 - 86. Since 1960 she has recorded more than 30 operas and countless recitals, compilations and anthologies.

Sutherland's husband, conductor Richard Bonynge, persuaded her to lift and lighten her voice from the dark Wagnerian tones she had originally preferred. Her voice, with its extraordinary coloratura trill, extensive range and pure, rich, even tone was described by Luciano Pavarotti as 'certainly the greatest voice this century'. Blessed with a reliable vocal technique, remarkable physical stamina and an irrepressible sense of fun, Sutherland rarely wasted energy on the tantrums sometimes associated with the prima donna. Of her physique she said 'The bigger the rocket you want to send up, the bigger the launching pad.' Bonynge says: 'She has constantly to be bolstered up. Even after all this acclaim she still doesn't know how good she is'. Sutherland retired from the stage in 1990. She and Bonynge live in Switzerland.