Sutherland, Joan (1926- )

Australian soprano. A leading figure in the revival of the bel canto style of singing during the 1950s and 1960s, she is noted for her commanding range and impeccable technique. She made her debut in England in 1952, in The Magic Flute; later roles included Lucia di Lammermoor, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, and Desdemona in Otello. She retired from the stage in 1990.

Later in her career, she added roles such as Tales of Hoffmann (singing all four roles), Lucrezia Borgia, Anna Bolena, Esclarmonde, and Adriana Lecouvreur. She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1979.

She usually performed under the baton of her husband, conductor Richard Bonynge.