Tributes paid to Bernadette Greevy

WARM TRIBUTES have been paid to Dr Bernadette Greevy, the mezzo-soprano and opera festival director who was buried in Raheny, Dublin, yesterday.

Dr Greevy (68) died on Friday after a short illness but had requested a quiet family funeral so news of her death only emerged yesterday.

She was born in Clontarf on July 3rd, 1940, one of seven children. She is survived by her son Hugh Tattan and siblings Anna, Joe, Marie and Pauline. Her husband, Peter Tattan, died in 1983.

Dr Greevy attended the Holy Faith Convent in Clontarf and studied in Dublin with Jean Nolan and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She was recognised as one of the finest mezzo-sopranos of her time.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Dr Greevy's voice had graced many national events over the years. "It is difficult to imagine a formal State occasion without her magnificent contribution."

She was founder and artistic director of the Anna Livia International Opera Festival. The board of the festival said her death was "an incalculable loss to her family and many friends".

Dr Greevy founded the festival in 2000 and "used her considerable experience as an artist to bring traditional Grand Opera back to Dublin audiences while at the same time was a prime mover in encouraging young Irish talent", festival manager Róisín McLoughlin said.

Her contribution to the world of music was immense, as recognised by the many awards and honours she received, she added.

Minister for Arts Martin Cullen said he had learned of Dr Greevy's death "with a profound sense of sadness". She had appeared with many of the world's greatest orchestras, taking on some of the most challenging roles in classical music and opera, he said. These recitals in all the major capitals of the world had brought great credit to her and to Ireland.

"We were privileged to know her and even more privileged to hear her. She decorated our lives with her rare jewel of a voice and continued to contribute to our cultural life through her wonderful Anna Livia Opera Festival."

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he would never forget her performances when Pope John Paul II visited Ireland and at National Commemoration Day ceremonies in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. "Her renditions of Amhrán na bhFiannon those occasions were unforgettable."

The Arts Council said Dr Greevy would always be remembered for her contribution to the operatic life of the State, and in particular, the development of young Irish singers through her the annual masterclass series.

Director of the Arts Council Mary Cloake said Dr Greevy was "universally admired as a concert performer and recognised as being one of the finest mezzo-sopranos of her time".

Earlier this month, she left her handprints outside Dublin's Gaiety theatre, joining brass imprints made from the palms of Luciano Pavarotti, Maureen Potter and Ronnie Drew.