A sad day for opera fans

Dame Joan Southerland died at her home on Sunday at age 83 years. She was one of the greatest coloratura sopranos with an extraordinary vocal range.

I first heard Ms. Southerland in my high school music class and was taken with her voice from the start. My high school belonged to the Metropolitan Opera Guild and we were able to go to dress rehersals at a reduced price. We went to the opera many times and never knew who we would see. Once we saw Robert Merril. As much as I hoped, we never got to see Joan Southerland on stage.

RIP, Ms. Southerland and thank you for bringing this teenager an appreciation for the fine arts!

Rest in peace, fine lady, and say hello to my mom, who is surely sitting in the soprano section up there in heaven's mighty chorus!