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Joan Sutherland in pictures: 15 iconic photos of the great soprano

The great Australian soprano would have celebrated her 88th birthday this year. We take a look back at her astonishing career, from Pavarotti performances to backstage glimpses.

1. With Pavarotti

Two legends, together and loving it. Picture: PA
2. Showered with flowers

Sutherland showered with flowers on stage at Covent Garden. Picture: Getty
3. Backstage in Venice

Being helped with her costume before a performance in Venice. Picture: Getty
4. Early success

Photographed as 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at Covent Garden, London, the role which launched her international career. Picture: Getty
5. On horseback

Sutherland atop a horse at La Scala Opera House, Milan, in 1962, during rehearsals for Les Huguenots. Picture: PA
6. With Richard Bonynge

Joan enjoys a light moment during an interview with her husband, conductor Richard Bonynge. Picture: PA
7. With Pavarotti La Fille du Regiment

An early role for both legends at the Royal Opera House. Picture: Getty
8. With Giulini

In a recording studio with Carlo Maria Giulini, in 1959. Picture: Getty
9. Banging the drum

A scene from La Fille Du Regiment at the Royal Opera House, with Sutherland gamely beating a drum. Picture: Getty
10. With Zefirelli

Italian director Franco Zefirelli looks on as Sutherland during rehearsals for Bellini's 'I Puritani' at Covent Garden. Picture: Getty
11. Reading with Richard

Studying a score with husband Richard Bonynge. Picture: Getty
12. With Placido Domingo

Lurking in the background with Spanish tenor Placido Domingo in a recording studio, circa 1975. Picture: Getty
13. Making up

Making up for her role as Lucia di Lammermoor in the opera of the same name in her dressing room at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Picture: Getty
14. In costume

In full costume at the start of the 1960s.
15. At The Opera Ball

Sutherland in a party mood for The Opera Ball. Picture: Getty