The Hallowian 2022 Vol1 - Flipbook - Page 24
WE HONOUR, WE CELEBRATE, WE REMEMBER
“
Margaret Baker Genovesi
From Brisbane to Rome –
Acclaimed opera singer
Internationally renowned opera singer, Margaret
Baker Genovesi (AHS 1946-1950), died on 23 February
2022, aged 89 years.
Margaret was born in 1933, the daughter of Francis
Baker, a police officer, and Evelyn Gould, who was also
an All Hallows’ past pupil. Margaret showed her gift for
singing from an early age, winning ‘Australia’s Amateur
Hour’ on the radio at the age of 10 as well as every
section at the Brisbane Eisteddfod from ages 11 to 14.
She excelled in her education at All Hallows’, achieving
A passes in English, French, German, Italian, Music, and
Art of Speech, and winning the Archbishop’s Award for
the highest academic score and a full scholarship to
university. However, Margaret had a dream—to go to
Italy, the home of opera and fine singing—so she found
the best paying job she could, in the Sales and Tax
Department of the Queensland Government.
Margaret made her operatic debut at the age of 20,
singing Violetta in La Traviata with the Queensland
National Opera. She realised
her dream in 1956, travelling
to Italy, where she won
scholarships to study at
the Accademia di Santa
Cecilia, Rome, and the
Accademia Chigiana, Siena.
She continued her studies
in Germany, before settling
in Rome, from where she
pursued an international
career as a singer and
teacher.
Margaret’s vast operatic and
concert repertoire covered
four centuries of European music, from the Baroque
era to the twentieth century. Her European debut was
in the role of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro (Rome);
followed by leading roles at La Scala, Milan; Theater
an der Wien, Vienna; Teatro della Cometa, Rome; the
Victoria State Opera, Melbourne; Festival Hall, London;
Tonhalle, Zurich; Suisse Romande,
Lausanne; the festivals of Vienna,
Salzburg, Moscow, Spoleto and Brno;
concert tours through Europe, Asia
and the Middle East; and recitals for
Europe’s principal radio and television
networks.
From 1986 to 2006, Margaret was a
regular member of the juries of some
of Europe’s most prestigious singing
competitions, including Munich,
Salzburg, Nuremberg, Coburg, Graz,
Sulmona, Gorizia and Cologne.
She taught and lectured at tertiary
institutions in Italy, Germany, Hong
Kong, China and Australia.
Margaret met her beloved husband,
Vittorio, when they were both 36.
They married in Rome, where they
lived until Vittorio’s death in 1997.
During her decades in Rome, Margaret
experienced an idyllic life immersed
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The Hallowian | 2022
When you sat with Margaret
for a visit or a chat, she
shone a light on you and
she cared about what you
had to say. Somehow you
knew that she would always
be there for you to cultivate
and protect you with her
insight and wisdom, and as
a trusted confidante.
in Italian culture, exploring the city’s iconic sites and
attending operas and song recitals of greats such as José
Carreras.
In 2007, Margaret returned to Australia and settled in
New Farm. She established a private teaching practice
and collaborated with the Young Artists Program of
Opera Australia, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith
University (her most recent masterclass being delivered
in April 2021) and The University of Queensland,
and adjudicated many of Australia’s major singing
competitions.
she shone a light on you and she cared about what you
had to say. Somehow you knew that she would always be
there for you to cultivate and protect you with her insight
and wisdom, and as a trusted confidante.
May Signora Genovesi rest in peace, and may her story
continue to inspire young women to follow their dreams.
Acknowledgements: Tarita Botsman, Dieu et Devoir, and
Sydney Eisteddfod. A collection of memorabilia from
Margaret’s life has been donated to the All Hallows’
School Archives.
Among her renowned students around the world,
Margaret was a much-loved mentor, teacher and friend
to Tarita Botsman, distinguished Queensland and
Australian opera singer and artist. Speaking at Margaret’s
funeral service, Tarita said:
Margaret wanted you all to remember that she lived a
wonderful life: she cruised the Nile and recklessly climbed
the Great Pyramids when it was still allowed (she wanted
me to add), she walked the Great Wall of China, climbed
Uluru, she went to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and
of course lived in Rome and Brisbane, for her the two
most beautiful cities in the world.
Margaret excelled in so many ways in life, but friendship,
I am sure many of you will agree, was another of her true
talents. When you sat with Margaret for a visit or a chat,
2022 | The Hallowian
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