Renowned Irish soprano and music teacher Veronica Dunne dies

Irish Heritage has learned with regret of the deathon Monday last (5th April) of the internationally renowned Irish soprano and music teacher Dr Veronica Dunne. She was 93 years old.

An established singer in her own right, Dr Dunne also trained some of Ireland's best known classical singers and created the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, which is dedicated to discovering the best classical singers of the future.

Born in Dublin, Veronica Dunne began her vocal studies at the age of 12. She studied in Rome in the 1940s and made her operatic debut in 1948 with the Dublin Grand Opera Society, and her Italian debut in 1952. She later joined the company of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.Dr Dunne eventually moved into part-time performance and retired from the stage in 1973.

She began her teaching career in 1961, first with the Dublin Institute of Technology College of Music, and later with the Leinster School of Music and the Royal Irish Academy of Music.She continued to teach until recently and taught many of Ireland’s leading classical singers who have performed for Irish Heritage over the years.

In 1987 she received an honorary doctorate from UCD.

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Dr Dunne, saying that she "captivated millions with her singing.The legacy she leaves lies in the talents of those scores of others whose talents and performances she unlocked with her enthusiasm, energy and commitment as a teacher and friend.”

Irish Heritage extends its sympathy to Dr Dunne’s family and friends.