An evening celebrating the artistry of the great Australian soprano Joan Sutherland , who is 80 years old this month. Her exceptional talent was internationally recognised in 1959 when she appeared in the title role of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor at the Royal
Opera House in London. Hailed as La Stupenda by fans in Venice the following year, she has remained one of the most endearing and popular divas of our time, and her long career continued until 1990. Presenter Martin Handley is joined by former director of the Edinburgh Festival Brian McMaster , singer and broadcaster Catherine Bott and the Australian academic and writer
Peter Conrad to discuss the many aspects of the voice and character of this extraordinary musician, and music critic Rodney Milnes offers a personal view of her recording legacy. Bach Aria (Cantata No 147)
Joan Sutherland (soprano), Geraint Jones Orchestra, conductor Geraint Jones
Mozart Or Sai Chi I'Onore (Act 1, Don Giovanni ) Joan Sutherland (soprano), Philharmonia, conductor Carlo Maria Giulini
Donizetti Regnava nel Silenzio (Act 1, Lucia di Lammermoor) Joan Sutherland (soprano), Ana Raquel Satre (soprano), Orchestra of Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Roma, conductor John Pritchard
Handel Let the Bright Seraphim (Samson)
Joan Sutherland (soprano), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conductor Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
8.45 Verdi La Traviata (Act 1 complete)
Joan Sutherland (soprano), Carlo Bergonzi (tenor), Chorus and Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino , conductor John Pritchard
9.35 Opera Down Under
Donizetti Tonio and Marie's duet (Act 1, La Fille du Regiment) Joan Sutherland (soprano),
Luciano Pavarotti (tenor), Royal Opera House Orchestra, conductor Richard Bonynge
Bellini Casta Diva (Norma) Joan Sutherland (soprano), Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Francesco Molinari-Pradelli Rodney Milnes on Joan's recordings
10.30 Donizetti It Dolce Suono Mi Colpi di Sua Voce ... Ardon gl'lncensi (Mad Scene) (Lucia di Lammermoor) Joan Sutherland (soprano), Orchestre de la Societe du Conservatoire, conductor Nello Santi Producer Johannah Smith