Sutherland's husband, conductor Richard Bonynge, initially canceled a planned performance with Opera Australia later this month but was convinced by Sutherland to carry out the engagement, the assistant said. "Mr. Bonynge has now gone to Australia" to conduct Gaetano Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," Sigall said. Sutherland's performance in the difficult title role in a 1959 Covent Garden revival widely is seen as her breakthrough in an international career that lasted until 1991. Sigall said Sutherland had no previous accidents. "She's always been in pretty robust health."
Soprano Joan Sutherland hospitalized
GENEVA (AP) -July 7, 2008 "She had an accident while doing the gardening, and somehow
managed to break both her legs," agent David Sigall said.
The 81-year-old soprano is now in a Swiss hospital undergoing
rehabilitation, Sigall told The Associated Press by telephone from
London.
"She has been moved to the rehabilitation section," he said,
adding that Sutherland would likely remain there for up to eight
weeks before being allowed to put any weight on her legs.
"All is well except I'm sure she's not pleased," said Sigall,
who had not yet spoken to Sutherland himself.
The accident occurred June 24 while the Australian singer was
picking flowers in the garden and lost her balance, an assistant
reached at Sutherland's home near Montreux, told the AP.
The assistant, who asked not to be named, said Sutherland
underwent successful surgery at a nearby hospital and was in good
spirits.
