Australian singer, a leading 20th century coloratura operatic soprano called “La Stupenda.” In a career spanning 45 years the diva made over 1800 appearances on the operatic stage and played 49 roles. Made a Dame of the British Empire in 1979, she wrote an autobiography The Progress of a Prima Donna (1997).
The daughter of Scottish immigrants, her father died when she was six. Raised by her non-professional mezzo-soprano mother and a family in which everyone was musical, she thrived with singing lessons in childhood and then years of work and training. She entered a singing competition and won first prize, which entitled her to two years of free vocal training, after which she made her debut in Sydney in 1947. When the training ended, she entered two more competitions and won first prize in both. She then headed for London and the Royal College of Music. After three auditions at Covent Garden, she was debuted as resident soprano in 1952, making her debut in “The Magic Flute.” Even though she had her first concert at 21, it was some seven years before she reached her full voice.
She married conductor Richard Bonynge, her friend from childhood and former singing coach in 1954; they had one son and two grandchildren. After a four-decade career she retired on 2 October 1990. Since then, she divided her time between homes in her native Australia and Montreaux, Switzerland. In her adult years, she suffered with severe arthritis.
Her authorized biography was written by Norma Major, published in 1995. She died on 10 October 2010 at her home near Montreux, aged 85.
Link to Wikipedia biography