For over three decades, the name of Jenifer Eddy was foremost in the Australian opera scene as the major Artist Manager. Her stable of artists became household names under her guidance and Jenifer Eddy Artist Management boasted the crème de la crème of operatic celebrities.

Their careers were carefully governed and tailored to present them at their finest. Jenifer Eddy had the knowledge and manner to assist a young singer in career growth. How did this lady of diminutive physical stature but strong character gain such knowledge? How did she so clearly understand the emotional plight of a singer and tend to their needs?

What was little known was that Jenifer Eddy had experienced the journey of a singer, on an international level, first hand. Her career as a brilliant coloratura and soubrette soprano had taken her to the major opera houses of the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Her on-stage colleagues included some of the finest and admired performers of the second half of last century.

She packed into her fifteen years on the operatic stage what reads like twice the amount of performances of any other soprano of this voice type. Jenifer's vocal technique was strong and secure. Her delivery of the most difficult, stratospheric vocal writing appeared easy and her pert stage presence was beloved by colleagues and audiences alike.

What seemed to be the perfect career, flying high, came to a sudden halt in 1968 due to a physical condition which remained undiagnosed for almost seven years - by which time, Jenifer had closed the door to her singing career and opened another as an Artist Manager.

"Everything in life has a purpose" is a mantra that Jenifer has held throughout her careers. It provided an inner strength to travel the bridge from singer to agent. Both roles demonstrate careers of excellence, and legacies that have left an indelible mark on classical singing and opera in Australia.

(text: Brian Castles-Onion)

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