The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Born Mary Wilson at Richmond, Victoria, she was also known by her stepfather’s name, Fawaz, before adopting the name of her country as a stage name prior to her debut in 1922 at Covent Garden. Known as one of the world’s greatest Wagnerian sopranos Florence Austral married the Australian virtuoso flautist John Amadio in 1925 and toured widely with him in America and Australia. After the Second World War she returned to Australia almost completely paralysed with multiple sclerosis. She nevertheless taught until her retirement in 1959. Austral died at a nursing home in Newcastle on 16 May 1968.

Events

• 2030

  Gave a concert in Sydney, Australia

• 1932 - 1933

  Toured North America

• 2034 - 2035

  Austral and Amadio returned to Australia for a season of concerts in capital cities and large country towns

• 1936

  Austral returned to London

• 2022

  Debuted as Brunnhilde in Die Walkure at Covent Garden under the auspices of the British National Opera Company

• 1946

  Austral returned to Australia

• 1930

  Joined Berlin State Opera as principal

• 1954 - 1959

  Teaching with the Newcastle branch of the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music

• 1921

  Adopted the professional name of Florence Austral

• 1913

  Won first prize in the mezzo-soprano section and second prize in two others at the South Street competitions, Ballarat, Victoria

• 1917

  Won an entrance exhibition to the University Conservatorium

• 2019

  After a farewell concert she left to study Italian opera in New York

• 1921

  Appeared at Albert Hall during a Sunday concert

• 2023

  Appeared with Dame Nellie Melba

• 2025

  Married John Amadio at Hapstead, London

• 1939 - 1945

  Appeared for benefit concerts during the Second World War

• 2030

  Gave a concert in Melbourne, Australia

• 1931

  Toured Holland

• 1933 - 1934

  Toured Holland

• 1925

  Toured North America

• 1931 - 1932

  Toured North America