Active Years: 1926-today

Position: Soprano

Career Highlights: Lucia di Lammermore, Elvira in I Puritani, Linda di Chamounix, Norma, Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera, Violetta in La Traviata, Elvira in Semiramide.

Career Totals: Premiered Tippet’s Midsummer Marriage in 1955; Made sensation in Lucia at Covent Garden 1959; Sang leading roles on the world’s operatic stages for over 35 years; Dozens of recordings; Last full operatic performance was in Les Huguenots at the Sydney Opera House in 1990 at the age of 64.

Scouting Report: Australian soprano Joan Sutherland is hailed as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. She is primarily known for Italian and French coloratura roles. Dubbed “La Stupenda” by the Italians, she possesses a voice of great beauty and far greater power than most coloraturas. She combines extraordinary agility with flawless intonation and a phenomenal trill.

Teammates and Contemporaries: Many recordings with Luciano Pavarotti, Marilyn Horne, and Sherrill Milnes; Conducted primarily by husband Richard Bonynge.

Fun Statistic: Known as a coloratura of lightening speed, Sutherland started out singing Wagner in the mezzo range. It was only after her now-husband and then-coach Richard Bonynge tricked her by not letting her see the keyboard, that she began vocalizing up to a high F above high C.