August 25 2004

Dame Joan Sutherland Portrait Presentation Tomorrow

A portrait of Australia’s greatest soprano of her age, Dame Joan Sutherland, will be presented to Penrith’s Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre tomorrow (Wednesday, midday).

Penrith City Mayor David Bradbury said the portrait has found its natural home, and he is delighted the work will be on display for the people of Penrith City and beyond.

“This presentation is a significant step in the history of our performing arts centre, and I’m relishing the opportunity to take a close look at this renowned piece of art.

“The decision to house this wonderful portrait at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre reinforces the high regard in which the centre is held by Australia’s performing arts community.

“Performing arts locally is growing from strength to strength, and the ongoing presence of Dame Joan’s portrait at the centre will do much to inspire our young divas of the future.”

Four years ago Camberwell Rotary commissioned the artist to the British Royal Family, Richard Stone, to paint the portrait of Dame Joan as part of its Art of the Diva project. Dame Joan sat for the portrait during sessions in England and Switzerland in 2000 and 2001.

The presentation will be preceded by a Morning Melodies concert at 11am.

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