News
Dame Joan Recovering After Fall - 03/07/2008
I am sure that many of you are well aware that Dame Joan recently had an accident in her garden where she fell and broke both of her legs. The positive news is that she is making a good recovery and is undergoing physiotherapy. No doubt you will all join me in wishing Dame Joan well, and that her recuperation will be a speedy one.
Campaign for a Bust of Dame Joan at the Royal Opera House - 01/09/2008
Recently a friend made the observation that it is a shame that the Royal Opera House in which, Dame Joan enjoyed many of her most notable triumphs and formed an indelible attachment with, has not erected a bust of Dame Joan to celebrate their incredible association. Dame Joan's partnership with Covent Garden is now legendary, not least because of her tumultuous debut as Lucia di Lammermoor in 1959. Not since the heyday of her Australian counterpart Dame Nellie Melba, has such a unison been formed. To this end, I would like to start a campaign to achieve this desired objective and would like to garner the support of all admirers of Dame Joan who believe likewise. Rather than create a poll, please send your message of support for this initiative directly to me via the contact page. In the meantime I shall contact the Royal Opera about our campaign and ask that they consider the request. I will also keep everyone updated with the progress made, so please do get in contact to back this initiative.
Richard Bonynge to Conduct Roberto Devereux - 28/09/2008
In the recent broadcast of Lucia di Lammermoor from Australian Opera, featuring Emma Matthews as Lucia and conducted by Richard Bonynge, Richard confirmed that he will be conducting Donizetti's Roberto Devereux in London in 2009. Once I have the venue details I will post the information here, but for now it is good news indeed to welcome Richard back to London, the scene of some of his most superlative performances, not least of all with his wife Dame Joan!
Update - Richard Bonynge to Conduct Roberto Devereux - 27/10/2008
As mentioned in a previous post, Richard Bonynge is to return to London to conduct Roberto Devereux at Holland Park in June 2009. The cast will include the Opera Rara stalwart and bel canto stylist, Majella Cullagh as Eisabetta and Leonardo Capalbo as Roberto. Booking opens in April 2009.
Update - Dame Joan leaves hospital - 27/10/2008
I am pleased to let everyone know that Dame Joan has now left hospital and is doing well. Currently she is undergoing phsiotherapy, which will no doubt speed along her recovery. This is great news as I know a lot of you have been concerned about her recent fall.
Dame Joan Sutherland's Birthday - November the 7th 2008
For anyone who is not aware, tomorrow is Dame Joan Sutherland's 82nd birthday! If you have any messages to post wishing La Stupenda many happy returns, please do post them on the fan forum. I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone who visits this site, that we wish Dame Joan a wonderful and happy day.
Roberto Devereux News Update/Booking Open
Richard Bonynge is to conduct Donizetti's Roberto Devereux at Opera Holland Park on June the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th and 20th. Richard Burgess Ellis will guest conduct on the 10th. Booking has just opened, so please visit the following website to secure your seats at this must see opera: http://www.ohp.rbkc.gov.uk
Dame Joan at Cardiff Singer of the World 2009!
The BBC has confirmed that Dame Joan will once again fulfil her duties as patron of the world's most prestigious vocal competition, Cardiff Singer of the World. The competition begins on the 6th of June, culminating in the final on 14th. As usual, St David's Hall is the venue, with the following contestants representing their respective countries: Andorra: Marc Canturri Argentina: Fernando Javier Rado Australia: Katharine Tier Austria: Daniela Lehner Canada: Etienne Dupuis Chile: Javier Arrey Croatia: Tomislav Lučić Czech Republic: Jan Martinik England: Anna Stephany Hungary: Csaba Szegedi Ireland: Helen Kearns Israel: Claire Meghnagi Italy: Giordano Luca Japan: Eri Nakamura Republic of Korea: Ji-Min Park Latvia: Dana Bramane Mexico: Octavio Moreno New Zealand: Wade Kernot Poland: Izabela Matuła Portugal: Dora Rodrigues Russia: Ekaterina Shcherbachenko South Africa: Dawid Kimberg Ukraine: Yuriy Mynenko USA: Vira Slywotzky Wales: Natalya Romaniw The judging panel this year will include Kurt Moll, Dame Ann Murray, Dame Gwyneth Jones, Giacomo Aragall and Richard Bonynge! For further information please visit the BBC website (details below), or better still attend the competition. The opportunity to see Dame Joan award the various prizes, plus also hear some of opera's future stars, is an unmissable combination! http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/cardiffsinger
Margreta Elkins - Passed Away
It is with sadness that I tell you of the death of the Australian mezzo-soprano, Margreta Elkins. Born in Brisbane, Margreta's distinctive and beautiful mezzo was heard all over the world. At Covent Garden she sang a number of roles during the 1950's and 1960's, including Amneris, Alisa, Octavian and Sieglinde. She sang with Dame Joan on numerous occasions, providing sumptuous and memorable accounts of Adalgisa and Ruggiero. In 1976 she returned to Australia and sang with the Australian Opera regularly. Margreta made many recordings, but perhaps her finest is Rosina by William Shield, conducted by Richard Bonynge for Decca. She died of cancer aged 78 at the beginning of April.
Review of Roberto Devereux - Opera Holland Park
I have just posted a review of the opening night of Roberto Devereux at Opera Holland Park conducted by Richard Bonynge. Please go to the Performance section to read. If you are in London, I would certainly recommend buying a ticket!.
