SUTHERLAND SINGS IN SYDNEY AGAIN

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30845, 2 September 1965, Page 2

SUTHERLAND SINGS IN SYDNEY AGAIN

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) SYDNEY, Sept. 1. Joan Sutherland appeared on a stage in her native Sydney for the first time in 14 years last night in one of the most expensive gala openings in the city’s theatrical history.

Miss Sutherland who left Sydney suburban life to become one of the world’s greatest operatic sopranos, sang the title role in “Lucia di Lammermoor.” It was exactly 14 years four months and 10 days since Miss Sutherland last sang in Sydney. She appeared then at the Town Hall in a programme of songs. Tickets were priced from 3s to 7s 6d. Last night the audience of 1650 paid lOgns for seats. However, the eagerly awaited first night of the fiveweek Sutherland opera season contained elements of an anti-climax.

When the soprapo made i her first appearance at the beginning of the second scene she was greeted with silence. : A theatre official com- ; mented in surprise: “They

don’t seem to recognise her.” Although the audience later warmed, there was no standing ovation as Miss Sutherland and the cast took 17 curtain calls.