About June Bronhill (Gough)
June Bronhill was an Australian soprano who became a celebrated star of light opera during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Born June Mary Gough, she took the stage name Bronhill in recognition of her birthplace, Broken Hill. With a diamond-sharp voice and impeccable diction, June scored prized lead roles in opera, operetta, musical theatre and television in London and Australia. In 1994, the auditorium at the Broken Hill Civic Centre was named the June Bronhill Auditorium in her honour.
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Singer June Bronhill 's precocious start
June Bronhill was born 'June Gough' in Broken Hill on 26 June 1929. By the age of 6, dressed in white tie and tails, the future opera star was delighting audiences at the local Crystal Theatre with such ditties as Little Man, You’ve had a Busy Day.
A change of name and venue
As a young woman, June began to place highly in national singing competitions, winning the prestigious annual Sun Aria contest in 1950. Aged 23, she travelled to London to further her singing career, a move was largely financed by Broken Hill residents, who raised more than £3,000 to help her. To show her gratitude to the town for the support, June changed her surname to Bronhill.
June was accepted into the Sadler’s Wells theatre company in 1954. In 1958, seeking to restore its flagging fortunes, the company decided to include operetta in its repertoire for the first time. June was cast in the title role of Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow. The production was an enormous success, eventually touring Australia in 1960.
This led to a succession of lighter parts, where June typically took the soprano lead. While she was small in stature, her diamond-bright voice easily filled theatres, and she soon attracted a faithful following.
A versatile talent
June was just as adept in traditional opera roles that suited her coloratura tones. She made her debut at the Royal Opera House in 1959, when she took over from her compatriot Joan Sutherland as the lead in Lucia di Lammermoor.
She also performed regularly in Australia throughout the 1960s, most memorably as Maria in The Sound of Music in 1961.
Returning to Australia permanently in 1976, June was honoured with an Order of the British Empire for her services to the performing arts. Following this, she made triumphant appearances with the Australian Opera, Victorian Opera Company and State Opera South Australia. She also played the role of Mrs Crawford in the Australian version of the TV comedy series Are You Being Served?
A graceful exit
June’s health began to deteriorate in the late 1980s and, although she survived breast cancer, her increasing deafness began to curtail her singing career. She retired in 1993.
June died in Sydney on 24 January 2005. Her remains were flown to Broken Hill for her funeral at the venue named in her honour.
Related information
Broken Hill Civic Centre website, Broken Hill City Council