Soprano Joan Sutherland dies, aged 83
Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:07 pm
Australian opera singer Joan Sutherland has died at the age of 83.
Sutherland passed away at her home in Switzerland on Sunday evening, her family told The AFP.
The acclaimed soprano retired from the stage 20 years ago and moved to Montreux, by Lake Geneva.
Prior to her passing, it had been reported that she was in ill health after a fall.
"The family of Dame Joan Sutherland... wishes to let all her friends and admirers know that she passed away very peacefully in the evening of October 10 at her home in Switzerland after a long illness," read a statement from Sutherland's family.
Sutherland performed on stages all over Europe throughout her career and sang alongside greats including Luciano Pavarotti. She was knighted in 1979.
She leaves behind her husband, Australian conductor Richard Bonynge, her son Adam and two grandchildren.
