Who was Rosemary Gunn? All about iconic Australian singer as she dies after 40-year career

The Australian opera world is reeling from the loss of mezzo-soprano Rosemary Gunn, whose voice and powerful stage presence mesmerized audiences for more than four decades. Gunn, whose death was reported in Australia, was a beloved figure in Australia’s opera life.

Born in Scotland, Rosemary Gunn supposedly came to Australia as a little girl and joined Opera Australia in 1972 to start a path that would last more than 40 years.

Acording to Daily Mail, her strong and flexible voice allowed her to sing a variety of roles from Amneris in Aida to Dorabella in Così fan tutte. Gunn performed alongside several industry legends such as Dame Joan Sutherland and Anthony Warlow.

Sad news of the death of the Scottish-born, Australian-domiciled mezzo Rosemary Gunn, a longtime member of ⁦@OperaAustralia⁩. pic.twitter.com/YCP3VE7TED

— Opera with Opera News (@operamagazine) July 14, 2025

As fans and her industry colleagues mourn her loss, Opera Australia confirmed Rosemary Gunn’s death in an emotional statement.

"She was a valued member of Opera Australia's Principals and was an excellent singer in a wide range of repertoire," they added.

Rosemary Gunn's dedication to opera was not confined to the stage. Conductor Brian Castles-Onion, in a personal tribute, wrote:

"Her devotion to our company and the artform was evident in the regular phone conversations she and I shared over many years — always eager to learn of the development of young singers and the company itself."

A look into Rosemary Gunn's successful career and achievements

Some of the highlights of Gunn’s career include winning the Pan Pacific Final of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in Honolulu and the Sydney Sun Aria in 1977, allowing her to confirm her position as one of Australia’s best-respected voices.

Rosemary Gunn sang in several roles throughout her career, which included Amneris, Fricka, Dorabella, Mallika, Iolanthe, Queen of the Fairies, Kate Pinkerton, Giovanna, Tessa, Wellgunde, Bianca (The R*pe of Lucretia), Cornelia (Giulio Cesare), the Abbess/ La Principessa in Suor Angelica, and Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor, among others.

According to Limelight, she stopped performing professionally in 2008 after a revival of Lucia di Lammermoor but continued to be involved in the opera world, serving several years as a judge for the Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award.

She is survived by her husband, Graeme Williams, a veteran bass-baritone and chorister within the Opera Australia. The couple had a deep bond and frequently supported each other’s work in the world of opera.

The cause of death has not been publicly released yet, but her death represents a huge loss to the Australian performing arts.