SPECIAL EVENTS   Click onto eNews for a list of forthcoming events organised by The Joan Sutherland Society of Sydney. Please take special note of event dates and ensure that you contact the Committee with your booking details to avoid disappointment. Some events are strictly limited because of seating and catering requirements.

Dame Joan Sutherland acknowledges flowers from the President of The Joan Sutherland Society, Doug Cremer, and the applause from the capacity audience which attended the inaugural "Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Vocal Scholarship" at St Paul's Church, Burwood on Sunday 15 July 2007.

L-R Christine Beasley, Carmen Young, Dame Joan Sutherland, Morgan Pearse, Christa Leahmann, Patricia Oertel (Beasley/Leahmann/Oertel were adjudicators). Courtesy, Barnaby Photography

Carmen Young of Lindisfarne Tasmania, won The Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Vocal Scholarship and Morgan Pearse of Woollahra NSW, won The Madja Baudish Encouragement Award at St Paul’s Church, Burwood on Sunday 15 July 2007. Courtesy, Barnaby Photography

Helen Sherman, Joan Carden, Lucinda Mirikata Deacon, Amy Radford, Amanda Thane, Glenn Winslade, Andrew Finden, Sharolyn Kimmorley (accompanist), Catherine Bouchier, Adam Player, Dominica Matthews.

Alan Jones (MC) & Megan Evans, accompanist to many rising stars of the opera.

Catherine Bouchier and Andrew Finden head overseas later this year for further study.

RHS, Dominica Matthews greets Renee Goossens, who was French coach with The Australian Opera when Joan Sutherland made her first appearances at The Sydney Opera House in “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” and “Lakme” (1974/76).

Glenn Winslade and Naomi Johns discuss a new repertoire.

LHS, Adam Player and RHS, Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon discuss their future direction with Malcolm Donnolly who enjoyed an international career.

Soprano Maria Pollicina with Doug Cremer in Adelaide following a performance of Verdi's NABUCCO for The State Opera S. A. in Novermber 2006. Maria began her career in Sydney singing many roles for Opera Australia. On this occasion she sang the difficult role Abigaille with great distinction. In his review for the Adelaide press, Matt Byrne said, "The shining light of this production in Maria Pollicina's stunning performance as the ambitious Abigaille. Pollicina takes us through every emotion, from the shame of her slave heritage to triumphantly usurping her father and finally swallowing the bitter pill of defeat when he comes back from oblivion."

The Joan Sutherland 80th Birthday Concert.

Patron of The Joan Sutherland Society, Rosina Raisbeck is greeted by Tenor Glenn Winslade.

Geoff Weule and Rosina Raisbeck are welcomed by past President, Arthur Haddad.

Heather Begg and Joe Diflo catch up with Glenn Winslade.

Dame Joan enters a packed St Paul's Church to another standing ovation on the arm of the President of The Joan Sutherland Society, Mr Doug Cremer.

M.C. Alan Jones begins proceedings with a personal tribute to Dame Joan.

Deborah Riedel and Fiona Janes who sang Mira O Norma by Bellini.

Rosina Raisbeck and Dame Joan reminisce on their 60 year association.

Glenn Amer (accompanist) with Baritone Jose Carbo.

Winner of the 2006 Joan Sutherland Society Vocal Scholarship , Sam Roberts-Smith, picks up some of the finer points of singing from an expert, Rosina Raisbeck.

Prince Michael Romanoff, Rev. John Kohler, Princess Julia Romanoff and President, Doug Cremer. The first three had only recently returned from St Petersburg where Prince Michael's great grandmother, the Dowager Empress Marie Federovna (formerly the Danish Princess Dagmar) was reburied in her adopted country Russia, beside her husband Tsar Alexander.

Naomi Johns, winner of the 2006 Encouragement Award presented by the Joan Sutherland Society, with Dame Joan and Sam Roberts-Smith who won the 2006 (and last) Joan Sutherland Society Scholarship. Next year, 17 - 22 year old singers will compete for the renamed "Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Vocal Scholarship".

Stuart Haycock, Catherine Bouchier, Paul Ferris, Valda Wilson and Fiona Janes were delighted when Dame Joan arose unexpectedly to thank the artists at the conclusion of the concert.

Jose Carbo, Deborah Riedel, Sharolyn Kimmorley (accompanist), Paul Ferris, Emma Pettemerides, Sam Roberts-Smith, Dame Joan Sutherland, Catherine Bouchier, Stuart Haycock, Amy Radford, Valda Wilson and Fiona Janes. (The Concert Party with The Guest of Honour.)

Dame Joan with Megan Evans who accompanied the young Joan Sutherland when she won The Sun Aria Competition in 1949 before heading for London.

The magnificent birthday cake made and decorated by Anne Homann (whose son James Homann won this year's McDonald's Operatic Aria).

Dame Joan cuts the cake with panache while the audience produces a musical tribute!

View of part of the audience during the afternoon tea that followed.

The Joan Sutherland Society Vocal Scholarship was held on Sunday, 6 August 2006 at St Paul's Church, Burwood. Annabella Redman won The Vocal Scholarship 21 years ago and adjudicated this year's event with Anne-Maree McDonald and Adele Johnston. Naomi Johns of Neutral Bay won The Marja Baudish Encouragement Award while Sam Roberts-Smith of Perth won The Joan Sutherland Society Vocal Scholarship.

From left - Annabella Redman, Naomi Johns, Anne-Maree McDonald, Sam Roberts-Smith and Adele Johnston.

Members of The Joan Sutherland Society attended the Opening Night of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Canterbury Opera in Christchurch N.Z. on 20 July.

From left - Angus Wood (Edgardo), U.S. Soprano: Amanda Pabyan (Lucia), Heather Johnston, Doug Cremer, Robin Creevey and Jose Carbo (Enrico).

Rosina Raisbeck's 90th Birthday Concert was held on Sunday, 23 July 2006, at St Paul's Church, Burwood. All photographs of this event are by Will Spiers, Deyan Photography.

Dame Joan and Richard Bonynge greet Rosina Raisbeck.

Richard Bonynge and Rosina Raisbeck.

Richard Bonynge and Rosina Raisbeck.

Rosina Raisbeck and Dame Joan.

Master of Ceremonies, Stuart Wagstaff.

Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales and Rev. John Kohler.

Rosina Raisbeck.

Anthony Warlow delivers his personal tribute to Rosina Raisbeck.

Geoffrey Chard, song and dance man extraordinaire.

(Back L-R) John Pringle, Chris Hillier, Catherine Bouchier, Alexander Lewis, Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon, Glenn Winslade. (Front L-R) Robert Gard, Robert Allman, Stuart Haycock, Sharolyn Kimmorley (Arranger and Accompanist), Amanda Thane.

Rosina Raisbeck with posy acknowledging applause.

Rosina Raisbeck with Kamahl.

Rosina Raisbeck with roses from admirers Bill and Nancy Marshall of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA.

Doug Cremer, Rosina Raisbeck and Alan Jones.

George Jaksic and committee member Eamon Fenwick.

The magnificent birthday cake was made and decorated by Anne Homann.

Doug Cremer, Rosina Raisbeck and son Jim Laurie (foreground) make their way amongst the large crowd in the church hall to cut the birthday cake.

At the end of a perfect day, Rosina cuts her birthday cake.

Winner of The Joan Sutherland Society Scholarship in 2002, Sydney Counter-Tenor DAVID HANSEN (right) made his debut in May 2006 with The Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle (left).

The Twilight Recital was held on Sunday, 15 January 2006, at St Paul's Church, Burwood Road, Burwood.

The audience assembles in the beautiful St Paul's Church, Burwood for A TWILIGHT RECITAL on 15 January 2006.

Tenor Bradley Cooper with Baritone Alexander Freeman at the conclusion of the Recital.

Accompanist Sharolyn Kimmorley with Mezzo Dominica Matthews and Soprano Sarah Ekert at what the audience voted as "The Best Ever" concert.

Our new Patron, Rosina Raisbeck MBE with the artists.

The Joan Sutherland Birthday Concert was held on Sunday, 6 November 2005, at St Paul's Church, Burwood Road, Burwood.

Dame Joan with Carmen Young.

Dame Joan cuts her birthday cake.

Dame Joan with Heather Begg, Rosina Raisbeck and Lauris Elms.

Megan Evans, Dame Joan and Rosina Raisbeck.

Dame Joan with the Concert Party.

Dame Joan's Birthday Cake.

The David Wakeham Concert was held on Friday, 12 August 2005, at Verbrugghen Hall, Conservatorium, Macquarie Street, Sydney.

David Wakeham with Committee members of the Joan Sutherland Society of Sydney.

David Wakeham with Dr Alistair Jackson and Stephen Bolton.

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of New South Wales, was the Society's guest of honour at the David Wakeham concert. Here Committee members meet the Governor at the after concert supper.

Judy Deacon, Kerry Nicholson (Masters of Opera student) and Anne Homan at the after concert supper in the Atrium of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Committee member Geoff Homan introduces guest of honour Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC, OBE to Lindy Kingsford and Sandy Bianca Trovato.

Douglas Cremer, President of the Joan Sutherland Society of Sydney, with Amy Radford, 2nd year Diploma of Opera student.

Amne Hadid, George Jaksic, Manor and Albert Hadid.

Manor Hadid and George Jaksic invite guest pianist, Andrea Katz - who accompanied David Wakeham's performance - to sign the limited edition book Joan Sutherland: A Tribute which George generously donated to help raise funds for the Society. Young Manor was delighted to be the proud winner of this valuable prize.

The Fund-Raising Concert was held on Sunday, 13 March 2005, at St Paul's, Burwood.

L-R - Robert Allman, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon, Katharine Tier, Jessica Pratt, James Homann, Christopher Hillier and Doug Cremer

James Homann and Megan Evans

Lucinda-Mirikata Deacon and Rosina Raisbeck

Part of the audience of the Joan Sutherland Birthday Concert at St Paul's Church.

Back - Doug Cremer, Eric Piotrowski, Christopher Hillier, Greg McLeod, Daniel Madigan, Michael Halliwell Front - Rev. John Kohler, Margaret Plummer, Lucinda Mirikata Deacon, Caroline Wenborne, Kate Golla, Helen Barnet & Charlie.

Tenor Christopher Hillier gives Robert Allman a well-deserved pat on the back!

President Doug Cremer presenting Rev. John Kohler with a photo of Dame Joan in appreciation of his encouragement & support.

The beautiful Cake made & decorated by Nola Barrie (rightly famous for her sausage rolls!)

Michael Halliwell (Pro-Dean of Sydney Conservatorium of Music) cuts Dame Joan's Birthday Cake with Rosina Raisbeck.

THE FUNDRAISING CONCERT FOR THE OPERA SCHOOL   Arranged and accompanied by SHAROLYN KIMMORLEY, Head of Opera Studies at The Conservatorium, this successful event was held at St Paul's Church in Burwood on Sunday, 27 June 2004. A total of $5,000 was raised at the event, of which all proceeds will go towards assisting The Opera School.

From 2005, The Joan Sutherland Birthday Concert in Novermber will be an Annual Fundraising Concert for The Opera School.

Fiona Janes, Rosina Raisbeck & Elizabeth Connell.

Andrej Kouznetsov, Organ Scholar of St Paul's, Burwood.

Students of The Conservatorium of Sydney Opera School with Rev. John Kohler, Elizabeth Connell, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Fiona Janes and "Norma" Director, George Ogilvie.

Katharine Tier, winner of The Joan Sutherland Society Scholarship 2001 & Barilla Italian Opera Award 2004 with Rosina Raisbeck.

AFTERNOON TEA   This most interesting afternoon with guests Renee Goossens and Geoffrey Chard was held at St. Joseph's Hall in Albert Street, Edgecliff on Sunday, 16 May 2004.

THE PATRON'S CONCERT   On Sunday 18 January 2004, Lord & Lady Harewood were guests of honour with 400 guests attending The Patron's Concert, held at St Paul's Church in Burwood. Many thanks go to Rev. John Kohler for helping to organise this event at such an interesting venue. We look forward to many more events in the future!

From left - John Kang, Clarissa Spata, Jessica Pratt, Joanne Kang, Tamara Anna Cislowska, Lord & Lady Harewood, David Hansen, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Christopher Hillier, Göknur Ray, Helen Barnett, David Greco.

From left - Heather Begg, Reg. Byers, Glenys Fowles, Lord & Lady Harewood, Robert & Jo Allman.

Lord & Lady Harewood with Rev. John Kohler of St. Paul's, Burwood.

Lord Harewood, Dr. Miriam Hyde & Lady Harewood.

Lord & Lady Harewood, Doug Cremer.

Lord & Lady Harewood, Robert & Josephine Allman.

Lord Harewood accepts a gift of Australian wine from Doug Cremer.

The Joan Sutherland Birthday Concert was held in The Joan Sutherland Rehearsal Studio at The Opera Centre on Saturday 25 October 2003.

From Left - Matthew Clarke, Kate Golla, Eric Piotrowski, Remika Mito, Rosina Raisbeck, Reomi Mito, Erin O'Connor, Christopher Hillier, Clarissa Spata, Richard O'Niell, Alison Cameron

Geoffrey Chard, Clarissa Spata (Winner of The Encouragement Award, 2001), Rosina Raisbeck, Robert Allman

Geoffrey Chard, Rosina Raisbeck, Christopher Hillier (Winner of The Encouragement Award, 2003), Robert Allman

Supporting Opera across the pond - New Zealand

Members of the Joan Sutherland Society in Christchurch, New Zealand CANTERBURY OPERA, first night of "LAKME", 19 July 2003 From Left - Pam Lord, Alan White, Amanda Pabyan ("Lakme"), Brenton Warren, Allan Lord, Glenise Trevella and Doug Cremer.

SCHOLARSHIP   This year we celebrated our SILVER JUBILEE. The Scholarship Final was held on Sunday 13 July 2003 with Dame Joan adjudicating the event for the first time. Amanda Forbes of Brunswick East, Victoria, was awarded the Scholarship while Christopher Hillier of Dulwich Hill, NSW, won the Marja Baudish Encouragement Award.

Dame Joan Sutherland, Alan Hendrie, Her Excellency State Governor Professor Marie Bashir, Amanda Forbes with Scholarship Trophy, John Allison and Dominic Baudish.
Alan Hendrie and Dame Joan Sutherland present Amanda Forbes.
Amanda Forbes, winner of The Joan Sutherland Society Scholarship, 2003.	Christopher Hillier, winner of The Marja Baudish Encouragement Award 2003.	Lorina Gore, winner of The Covent Garden Scholarship 2003.
David Hansen (winner 2002) Katharine Tier (2001), Doug Cremer, Her Excellency State Governor Professor Marie Bashir and Daniel Sumegi (1984 and 1986).

GALA CONCERT   On Sunday 22 June 2003, Dame Joan Sutherland was guest of honour with 375 guests attending the event. Göknur Ray delighted the audience with her singing, supported by other distinguished artists.

Doug Cremer, Dame Joan and Rev. John Kohler, St Paul's Burwood.

(Back L-R) Maria Pollicina, Catherine Carby, Dominica Matthews, Craig Everingham, Bradley Cooper and Nathan Carruthers. (Front L-R) Francis Greep, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Dame Joan, Göknur Ray, Annabella Redman, Jennifer Barnes and Kate Golla.

(Back L-R) Malcolm Donnelly, Heather Begg and Dame Joan. (Front L-R) Clifford Grant and Rosina Raisbeck.

Doug Cremer and Dame Joan.

Dame Joan and Dr Miriam Hyde.

SILVER JUBILEE CONCERT   Two hundred people attended the Concert at St Catherine's, Waverley, on Saturday 22 March 2003. Guest of honour was Lady Fairfax. A fascinating program was arranged and accompanied by Sharolyn Kimmorley with Guest Artist Joanna Cole, supported by a variety of opera artists. After the concert a superb afternoon tea was served on the lawn, allowing our audience the opportunity to meet the artists.

From Left - Craig Everingham, Helen Barnett, Brad Cooper, Joanna Cole, David Hansen, James Homann, Sharolyn Kimmorley, Katharine Tier, Dominica Matthews and Clarissa Spata.

Joanna Cole (Guest Artist) with veteran singers of The Australian Opera. From Left - Robert Gard, Clifford Grant and Heather Begg.

INFORMATION & BOOKING   Please click eNews for details.