Celebrating the Centenary of Dame Joan Sutherland's Birth
On Saturday 7 November, 3MBS commemorates Dame Joan Sutherland’s birth centenary with a special tribute during Saturday Afternoon Concert at 2pm.
First broadcast as a 3MBS Illuminations program in 2017, the program was compiled by Doug Beecroft, bringing together reviews from journalists and critics, reflections from Dame Joan’s colleagues, and commentary from her husband, Richard Bonynge.
The program traces Sutherland’s remarkable journey from her early performances around Australia to international stardom. Her breakthrough came in 1959, when she sang the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor at Covent Garden, earning an extraordinary ovation and establishing herself as one of the world’s great operatic voices. Over the next three decades, she performed at leading opera houses worldwide, including La Scala, Covent Garden, the Paris Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Throughout November, Wednesday Night at the Opera, presented by Alan de Niese, also celebrates Sutherland with three of her signature roles:
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Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti—6 November
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Esclarmonde by Jules Massenet—11 November
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Elvira in I Puritani by Vincenzo Bellini—25 November
Sutherland and Bonynge played a pivotal role in reviving bel canto opera, with Sutherland’s extraordinary coloratura technique, soaring high notes and expressive performances earning her the nickname La Stupenda.
Join 3MBS in celebrating the life and legacy of one of Australia’s most beloved opera singers.