Fretwell, Elizabeth

▪ 2007

      Australian soprano (b. Aug. 13, 1920, Melbourne, Australia—d. June 5, 2006, Sydney, Australia), rose to international prominence as a principal singer (1955–65) with Sadler's Wells Opera (later the English National Opera). Her rich vocals and solid professionalism in most of the major roles of the soprano repertoire established her as one of England's foremost divas and helped revitalize Sadler's in the 1950s. Fretwell initially aimed at a dancing career, but she turned to singing when she grew too tall for ballet. After studying voice in Melbourne and London, she debuted in small roles with the Melbourne National Theatre Movement opera company, but she soon graduated to featured parts. Her extramarital affair with baritone Robert Simmons (whom she later married) caused a national scandal, and in 1955 the couple moved to Europe. Returning to Australia permanently in 1970, she continued to perform until her retirement in 1986. Fretwell was awarded an OBE in 1977.

* * *