Madam, - It was with great shock and sadness that all involved with Opera Ireland learned of the death of Dr Bernadette Greevy last weekend.
She was an artist possessed of a remarkable vocal gift and was undoubtedly one of the greatest Irish voices of the latter half of the 20th century. She will live long in the memories of all those who heard her public performances at home and abroad and her recordings will stand as a permanent testament of a great Irish artist for generations to come.
From the time of her earliest appearances as a performer with Opera Ireland's predecessor, the Dublin Grand Opera Society, and with Wexford Festival Opera, she developed a great passion for the place of opera and operatic singing in Irish life. In more recent years, her deeply-felt sense of cultural patriotism and her indomitable energy found expression as the founder, artistic director and driving force of the Anna Livia Opera Festival. The role perfectly summed up her great concern for opera and for singing in Ireland, her passionately held operatic values, and her personal strength, determination and "can do" spirit. It is difficult to imagine operatic life in Ireland without her.
The board of directors and staff of Opera Ireland would like to extend their sincere sympathy to her family and her many friends, and also to our colleagues in the Anna Livia Opera Festival which was so important to her.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. - Yours, etc,
NIALL DOYLE,
Chief Executive, Opera Ireland,
Adelaide Chambers,
Dublin 8.