President Higgins led tributes to the internationally renowned soprano.
Tributes have been coming in for Veronica Dunne, an Irish soprano and music teacher, whose death was announced yesterday.
She was 93 years old.
The Dublin-born singer was internationally renowned. Throughout her career, she performed in Italy, the UK and the United States.
As well as an established performance career, Dunne was heavily involved in music education. She taught with the Dublin Institute of Technology College of Music, the Leinster School of Music and the Royal Irish College of Music.
In a statement, President Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to the soprano:
“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.
“Guided by her warmth, passion and energy, she developed the Veronica Dunne Competition, from its beginnings in 1995, into one of the foremost international singing competitions in the world.”
"The legacy she leaves lies in the talents of those scores of others whose talents and performances she unlocked."
Statement from President Higgins on the death of Veronica Dunne: https://t.co/jml4drSg95
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 5, 2021
The Taoiseach Michéal Martin described Dunne as “an outstanding performer in her own right”, and recognised the “extraordinary contribution” she made to music, both here in Ireland and around the world.
He said: “She inspired many emerging artists and developed many classical talents, leaving a wonderful and lasting legacy. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.”
Additionally, Fergus Shiel, the Artistic Director of Irish National Opera, paid tribute to Dunne on the company’s website.
I am heart-broken to hear of the death of Veronica Dunne, who defined opera in Ireland throughout her long life. I loved her total commitment to the artform and will miss her presence and personality – Fergus Sheil, Artistic Director https://t.co/8Yu23gEmFB
— Irish National Opera (@IrishNatOpera) April 5, 2021
“I am heart-broken to hear of the death of Veronica Dunne today at the age of 93,” Shiel wrote. “Ronnie defined opera in Ireland throughout her long life. Her successes as a performer led her to many major international engagements, but her legacy will undoubtedly be as a teacher and as somebody who did more than anybody else to develop singing and opera in Ireland.”
Ireland’s Minister for Arts, Catherine Martin also extended her condolences to Dunne’s friends and family.
Martin wrote that the soprano was “much loved for her contribution to music, to teaching and encouraging upcoming musicians.”
