June Bronhill

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

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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.

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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?.

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

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June 26: June 26 is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 188 days remaining....

1929: 1929 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar)....

January 24: January 24 is the 24th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 341 days remaining (342 in leap years)....

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