Sutherland never admitted greatness, says husband

GENEVA – Joan Sutherland's husband says the late soprano never recognized her own greatness despite receiving wide public acclaim and being compared to the legendary Maria Callas.

Richard Bonynge says Sutherland, who died in her Geneva home Oct 10 at the age of 83, "never thought she was anybody very special."

He told the AP on Monday that the Australian-born Sutherland always enjoyed a good relationship with the temperamental Callas and denied rumors of a rivalry between them.

Bonynge says Sutherland initially resisted his efforts to steer her into Italian bel canto opera, but she soon flourished in those roles thanks to her astounding vocal ability.