Renowned opera sensation Jacqueline Dark passes away at 55
- Replies 5
The world of music and theatre has been dealt a devastating blow this week with the passing of beloved opera singer and actress Jacqueline Dark. The 55-year-old died in a Sydney hospital on Tuesday night after a long and brave battle with cancer.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Australian tenor Kannen Breen, father to Ms Dark's son, who spoke to a news source about the opera star's 'heroic but short battle' against the disease.
'The love of her life was our boy Xander, and from the moment he existed, she did it all for him,' Mr Breen said.
On Facebook, Mr Breen shared heartbreaking details of Ms Dark's final moments, when she was surrounded by family and friends, saying that she 'took her last heroic breaths surrounded by profound peace and profound love'.
'It (her heart) was standing next to her, in the shape of our boy, and we literally watched as she gave the last of her life to make him happy one last time,' he said.
Award-winning Ms Dark, born in Ballarat, Victoria, began her career in teaching—she was a maths and physics instructor for ten years.
However, her love of music and theatre eventually drove her to pursue her talent, and what a talent it was.
Performing both opera and music theatre, she achieved success both on and off the stage, becoming an Australian household name through television appearances on So You Think You Can Dance and a guest panellist spot on Spicks and Specks.
The singer had a remarkable career that took her to stages not only in Australia but also around the world, with appearances in places such as Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, and Opera Hong Kong. She also lent her incredible voice to performances alongside some of Australia's top orchestras and choirs.
Ms Dark was admired and respected throughout the industry, with her agent, Patrick Togher, calling her an enduring legacy in Australian music.
'Jacqui's magnificent voice and magnetic stage presence entrenched her place in Australia's musical history; her indefatigably upbeat personality will be long remembered,' he said in a statement.
Her career was incredibly diverse, spanning various genres from opera, encompassing works by renowned composers like Mozart, Puccini, Strauss, and Wagner, to musical theatre, where she notably participated in the Australian tour of The Sound of Music.
She also had the privilege of being a part of world premiere performances, including Moya Henderson's Lindy, an opera centred around the tragic story of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain's baby, Azaria, and Richard Mills' Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms Dark earned two Green Room Awards. The first came in 2004 for her exceptional portrayal of Tisbe in Opera Australia's production of La Cenerentola, and the second for her role as Donna Elvira in the company's 2011 rendition of Don Giovanni.
In 2013, she was further recognised with the Best Female Performer in a Supporting Role in an Opera award for her outstanding performance as Herodias in Opera Australia's presentation of Salome.
However, in 2022, the singer faced a challenging period as she underwent treatment for cancer, which temporarily halted her scheduled performances.
She triumphantly returned to the stage in March 2023 with a heartfelt cabaret show titled Songs My Friends Taught Me, which was a tribute to the friends who provided her with unwavering support during her difficult journey.
Ms Dark was supposed to take on the role of Wellgunde in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's upcoming performance of Das Rheingold later this year.
It's an incredible shame that her life was cut so tragically short. Here at Seniors Discount Club, we offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and admirers of Jacqueline Dark. Rest in power.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Australian tenor Kannen Breen, father to Ms Dark's son, who spoke to a news source about the opera star's 'heroic but short battle' against the disease.
'The love of her life was our boy Xander, and from the moment he existed, she did it all for him,' Mr Breen said.
On Facebook, Mr Breen shared heartbreaking details of Ms Dark's final moments, when she was surrounded by family and friends, saying that she 'took her last heroic breaths surrounded by profound peace and profound love'.
'It (her heart) was standing next to her, in the shape of our boy, and we literally watched as she gave the last of her life to make him happy one last time,' he said.
Australian operatic mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Dark has died on October 3, 2023, aged 55. Credit: Facebook/City Recital Hall.
Award-winning Ms Dark, born in Ballarat, Victoria, began her career in teaching—she was a maths and physics instructor for ten years.
However, her love of music and theatre eventually drove her to pursue her talent, and what a talent it was.
Performing both opera and music theatre, she achieved success both on and off the stage, becoming an Australian household name through television appearances on So You Think You Can Dance and a guest panellist spot on Spicks and Specks.
The singer had a remarkable career that took her to stages not only in Australia but also around the world, with appearances in places such as Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Pinchgut Opera, and Opera Hong Kong. She also lent her incredible voice to performances alongside some of Australia's top orchestras and choirs.
Ms Dark was admired and respected throughout the industry, with her agent, Patrick Togher, calling her an enduring legacy in Australian music.
'Jacqui's magnificent voice and magnetic stage presence entrenched her place in Australia's musical history; her indefatigably upbeat personality will be long remembered,' he said in a statement.
Her career was incredibly diverse, spanning various genres from opera, encompassing works by renowned composers like Mozart, Puccini, Strauss, and Wagner, to musical theatre, where she notably participated in the Australian tour of The Sound of Music.
She also had the privilege of being a part of world premiere performances, including Moya Henderson's Lindy, an opera centred around the tragic story of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain's baby, Azaria, and Richard Mills' Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.
Ms Dark won many awards and prizes, including two Green Room Awards and a Helpmann Award. Credit: Facebook/Jacqueline Dark.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms Dark earned two Green Room Awards. The first came in 2004 for her exceptional portrayal of Tisbe in Opera Australia's production of La Cenerentola, and the second for her role as Donna Elvira in the company's 2011 rendition of Don Giovanni.
In 2013, she was further recognised with the Best Female Performer in a Supporting Role in an Opera award for her outstanding performance as Herodias in Opera Australia's presentation of Salome.
However, in 2022, the singer faced a challenging period as she underwent treatment for cancer, which temporarily halted her scheduled performances.
She triumphantly returned to the stage in March 2023 with a heartfelt cabaret show titled Songs My Friends Taught Me, which was a tribute to the friends who provided her with unwavering support during her difficult journey.
Ms Dark was supposed to take on the role of Wellgunde in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's upcoming performance of Das Rheingold later this year.
It's an incredible shame that her life was cut so tragically short. Here at Seniors Discount Club, we offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and admirers of Jacqueline Dark. Rest in power.
.png){kind=icon}
