Carden, Joan (1937–)

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Carden, Joan (1937–)

Australian opera singer. Name variations: Joan Maralyn Carden. Born Oct 9, 1937, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; dau. of Frank Carden and Ethel Gabriel (Cooke) Carden; attended Trinity College of Music and London Opera Centre.

Renowned soprano, joined the Australian Opera (1971) where she worked as a principal throughout career; made début at London's Covent Garden as Gilda in Rigoletto (1974) and went on to make role her own, performing as Gilda with Australian Opera as well; traveled throughout UK and continental Europe, performing widely, including at Glyndeborne Festival (1977) and with Scottish Opera (1978); also performed in US with Metropolitan Opera Tour (1978), at Kennedy Center (1980), and with Miami Opera (1982); best known for performances of Mozart and of the 4 heroines in The Tales of Hoffmann. Awarded Office of British Empire (OBE, 1981) and Officer of Order of Australia (AO, 1988).