Dame Joan Sutherland was a part of Australia’s operatic history from 1965, when she toured Australia with her husband Richard Bonynge and a young Luciano Pavarotti, until her legendary farewell at the Sydney Opera House in 1990. Laura Tingle is the host and Jessica Pratt the leading lady in this starry tribute that celebrates the late Sutherland’s 100th birthday with scenes and arias from the operas that made her an international sensation. Stuart Maunder directs and Speranza Scappucci conducts, ​with Caitlin Hulcup, Kang Wang and Dalibor Jenis just three of the singers bringing this bel canto feast to life.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

When Joan Sutherland sang, the world listened. With astonishing technique, extraordinary musicality, and impossibly perfect high notes, she brought forgotten heroines to life and earned her own place in operatic history.

We’re proud to have a long association with La Stupenda (“the stupendous one”), stretching from 1965, when she toured Australia with Maestro Richard Bonynge and a young Luciano Pavarotti, through to her unforgettable farewell at the Sydney Opera House in 1990.

In 2026, the opera world celebrates the 100th birthday of the “voice of the century”. Join us as we re-live her great successes at the Sydney Opera House, in the theatre that bears the icon’s name.

Homegrown opera sensation Jessica Pratt famously followed in Sutherland’s footsteps as the third Australian to sing Lucia di Lammermoor at La Scala (following Nellie Melba and Sutherland). Hear her unique, luminous coloratura as she tackles this incredible music. Pratt is joined by Australian-Chinese tenor Kang Wang, another singer making significant waves on the international operatic scene, and the full forces of the Opera Australia Orchestra and Chorus.