Christmas Eve 1974 was a nightmare for the inhabitants of Darwin (in Australia’s Northern Territory) when it was destroyed by a violent cyclone. A Darwin Appeal Fund was launched and a month later, on 25 January 1975, Richard Bonynge conducted a fund-raising concert at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The idea was that of Joan Sutherland’s – who participated together with a cast of Australian, New Zealand and British operatic luminaries – and the LP receives its complete CD release for the first time. A newly-written introduction by Richard Bonynge is included. “The most substantial item is the great duet from Act 2 of Bellini's Norma...Here [Sutherland's] singing is glorious, and she is ably matched by her compatriot, Heather Begg, as Adalgisa. Each section of the duet is beautifully drawn, leading up to the final cabaletta which is nothing short of exhilarating.” Gramophone