Joan Sutherland
Joan Sutherland: A Vocal Legend
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Dame Joan Sutherland was born on November 7, 1926, in Sydney, Australia. She is often referred to as "The Voice" due to her incredible vocal range and control.
Birth and Death Dates
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November 7, 1926 – October 11, 2010
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Australian-Swiss soprano
Joan Sutherland's remarkable career spanned over five decades, during which she excelled as a classical vocalist, earning recognition for her work in opera, oratorio, and concert performances.
Early Life and Background
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Sutherland was born into a musical family. Her mother, Maud Williamson, was a pianist, and her father, George Sutherland, was an organist. From an early age, Joan showed immense talent for singing. She began taking piano lessons at the age of six but soon discovered that her true passion lay in voice.
Sutherland's music education continued throughout her childhood. She studied with prominent vocal instructors, including Royce Kinney and Sister Mary Leo. In 1949, she made her professional debut as a soprano with the Australian Opera Company.
Major Accomplishments
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Joan Sutherland's illustrious career was marked by numerous milestones:
International Debut: Sutherland made her European debut in 1957 at the Royal Opera House in London.
La Bohème: Her performance as Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème in 1960 marked a turning point in her career, earning her widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the world's leading sopranos.
Verdi Roles: Sutherland became renowned for her interpretations of Verdi heroines, including Violetta in La Traviata, Leonora in Il Trovatore, and Elisabetta in Maria Stuarda.Notable Works or Actions
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Throughout her career, Joan Sutherland collaborated with prominent conductors and singers, contributing to numerous iconic recordings. Some notable works include:
Recordings: Her performances of Verdi's operas, as well as Rossini's The Barber of Seville and Handel's Alcina, have been widely praised for their technical precision and expressive depth.
Teaching Legacy: Sutherland taught voice at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 1971 until her retirement in 1996. Her students went on to achieve great success in the field.Impact and Legacy
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Joan Sutherland's influence extends far beyond her remarkable performances:
Vocal Technique: She was known for her technical mastery, which set a new standard for sopranos worldwide.
* Inspiration: Sutherland's dedication and perseverance have inspired generations of musicians to pursue their passions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Joan Sutherland is widely remembered as one of the greatest sopranos of all time. Her contributions to classical music continue to be celebrated through her iconic performances, recordings, and teaching legacy.
Quotes by Joan Sutherland

I’m very happy to sing whatever I’m singing. I’ve always enjoyed any role I’ve been given at a certain time. They’ve all been favourites, they’ve all been wonderful pieces to play.

I wasn’t actually trained by my mother, she said she never taught me but she was a great singer herself and I can’t remember when I didn’t listen to her sing and imitate her.

You can listen to what everybody says, but the fact remains that you’ve got to get out there and do the thing yourself.

If I weren’t reasonably placid, I don’t think I could cope with this sort of life. To be a diva, you’ve got to be absolutely like a horse.

I know I’m not exactly a bombshell, but one has to make the best of what one’s got.

Technique is the basis of every pursuit. If youre a sportsman or youre a singer or a swimmer, well that comes under sport but you have to develop a basic technique to know what youre doing at any given time.

I know I'm not exactly a bombshell, but one has to make the best of what one's got.


