Dame Joan Sutherland - Dame Joan Sutherland Lands Sydney Opera House Honour

Australian officials have renamed a stage at the iconic Sydney Opera House after late soprano Dame Joan Sutherland.

The singer, who enjoyed a career spanning four decades, passed away on 10 October, 2010, and now, two years after her death, she has landed a posthumous honour.

New South Wales Government chiefs are renaming the Opera Theatre at the venue the Joan Sutherland Theatre in recognition of the singer's achievements.

The renaming on Tuesday (16Oct12) falls on what would have been her 58th wedding anniversary to acclaimed conductor Richard Bonynge, and he is delighted the venue his late wife performed at every year between 1976 and 1990 is honouring her.

He says, "It was a fantastic time. People used to lie out on the pavements, all so that they'd get seats for her performances. It was quite an ego boost to be quite honest."