Joan Sutherland

Dame Joan Sutherland was, by all accounts, a phenomenon. Her voice, a thrilling instrument of incredible range and flexibility, was perfectly suited to the bel canto repertoire, earning her the adulation of opera lovers and the envy of every bird trying to hit a high note.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Sutherland's musical talents were evident early on. She eventually moved to London, where she further honed her craft, becoming a leading figure at Covent Garden and gracing stages across the globe. Her collaborations with conductor Richard Bonynge and soprano Marilyn Horne are the stuff of operatic legend.

While her voice may have soared to heavenly heights, her origins remained firmly grounded in Australian soil, with nary a shofar blast in her family tree. Her achievements, however, are undeniably kvell-worthy for anyone who appreciates the sheer artistry of a truly remarkable vocal talent.

She was not, it must be stated for the record, one of