Veronica Dunne (soprano) facts for kids

Veronica Dunne (born August 2, 1927 – died April 5, 2021) was a famous Irish opera singer and voice teacher. Many people called her "an Irish national treasure." She had a very successful career singing opera in Dublin and London. Later, she taught many young singers in Dublin. Some of her students became famous international opera stars.

In 1995, a special singing contest was started in her name. It is called the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition and happens every three years. In 2014, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Concert Hall. This award honored her amazing work in music.

Veronica's Early Life and Dreams

Veronica Dunne was born in Dublin, Ireland, on August 20, 1927. She was the youngest of three children in her family. Her father was a master builder. He owned a company that built many buildings, including a church in Foxrock in the 1930s.

Veronica started singing when she was just 11 years old. She first took lessons in Dublin. She dreamed of studying music in Italy. To pay for her studies, she sold her pony for £125. In 1946, she went to Rome to learn from famous music teachers.

Her family even talked to a government official about her money. They needed special permission for her to receive money in Italy. The official agreed, but only if Veronica promised to return to Ireland. She had to promise to teach young Irish singers in the future.

Veronica's Singing Career

Veronica Dunne sang in her first opera in Dublin in 1948. She played the role of Micaëla in the opera Carmen. In 1949, she sang as Marguerite in the opera Faust.

In 1952, she won a big singing contest in Milan, Italy. This led to her singing the role of Mimì in the opera La bohème. After this, she got a contract with the Royal Opera House in London. This is a very famous opera house. Her first role there was Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier. She sang alongside other great singers like Joan Sutherland.

In 1958, she was part of the first performance of the opera Dialogues of the Carmelites at the Royal Opera House. She also performed with other opera companies in Wales, Scotland, and Wexford. Later in her career, in 2002, she returned to the stage. She sang as the Countess in the opera Pique Dame in Dublin.

Veronica also helped new music come to life. She sang in the very first performances of songs by Irish composers. These included works by Seóirse Bodley and James Wilson.

Becoming a Voice Teacher

In 1962, Veronica Dunne became a voice teacher. She taught at the Dublin College of Music. This school is now called the Technical University Conservatory of Music and Drama. In 1987, she received an honorary doctorate degree. This was a special award for her achievements.

She officially retired in 1992. However, she continued to teach singing at other schools. These included the Leinster School of Music and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Veronica taught many students who became very successful. Some of her students sang in major opera houses around the world. Even at 87 years old, she was still teaching many hours each week!

The Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition

A special singing competition was created in Veronica Dunne's honor. It is called the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition. It was started in 1995 by a group called the Friends of the Vocal Arts in Ireland. This competition happens every three years. It gives awards and scholarships to talented young singers. Some of the singers who have won awards include Tara Erraught and Simon O'Neill.

In 2014, Veronica Dunne received the National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized her long and important career in music.

Veronica's Family Life

Veronica Dunne married Peter McCarthy in 1953. They had two children together.

Veronica Dunne passed away on April 5, 2021, at the age of 93. The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, spoke about her. He said that she "captivated millions with her singing." He also said that her greatest legacy was helping other singers. She helped them find their own talents with her energy and dedication as a teacher and friend.