June Bronhill

June Bronhill, OBE (June 26, 1929–January 24, 2005) was an internationally acclaimed soprano opera singer.

Related Topics:
June 26 - 1929 - January 24 - 2005 - Soprano - Opera - Singer

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She was born June Mary Gough in the inland Australian city, Broken Hill. Her stage name Bronhill, which she used from 1952, was an abbreviation of Broken Hill, which was her way of thanking her home town for its support in raising money to send her overseas for professional training as a singer.

Related Topics:
Broken Hill - Stage name - 1952

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She was perhaps best known for title role of "Hanna Glawari" in Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow. She also created Maria von Trapp in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music on the Australian stage.

Related Topics:
Franz Lehar - The Merry Widow - Maria von Trapp - Rodgers - Hammerstein - The Sound of Music

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June Bronhill also recorded Together with Music with Dennis Olsen.

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Despite her prestigious career, she retained a public profile as a person of plain tastes who retained her Australian identity. This was enhanced by appearing as a guest on various television panel shows in her later years. She also appeared in the Australian version of the TV comedy show Are You Being Served?.

Related Topics:
Television - Are You Being Served?

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Her career was cut short by the onset of deafness which became profound. She also suffered from Alzheimer's Disease.

Related Topics:
Deafness - Alzheimer's Disease

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She died at 75 on January 24, 2005, in a Sydney nursing home in her sleep. Broken Hill honoured her by declaring a minute's silence during the 2005 Australia Day celebrations on 26 January.

Related Topics:
January 24 - 2005 - Sydney - Australia Day - 26 January

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