The Covent Garden Opera – the evolution of greatness, Part Four

Joan Sutherland had been a member of the Covent Garden ensemble of singers for several years, taking many important roles, but in 1959 she caused a sensation with her debut in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor. As well as hearing live excerpts from this historic occasion, you will learn from Joan Sutherland herself, from Richard Bonynge and Lord Harewood how this all came to happen. Then in 1961 came another titanic event, with the new production of Fidelio, produced and conducted by the 75 year-old Otto Klemperer and starring Sena Jurinac and Jon Vickers, its effect here testified by Nicholas Payne and bass-baritone Victor Godfrey.