Tributes to Miriam Murphy have poured in following news of the world-renowned soprano's sudden death on Friday.
mong the first to pay tribute was Ms Murphy's fellow Kerry Opera Singer, Dr Gavan Ring.
"Shocked to hear of the passing of fellow Kerry opera singer Miriam Murphy. The opera world at home and abroad is at an almighty loss today. One of the finest voices to come out of Ireland and most definitely the finest voice to come out of Kerry," he said.
Dr Ring also spoke of performing with Ms Murphy in 2012.
"I would steal down to the wings every night to watch Miriam and listen to the glory of her Liebestod - one of the best things I have ever heard live in my life," Dr Ring wrote.
Artistic Director of the Irish National Opera Fergus Sheil - a long-time friend of Ms Murphy - said the opera world has lost a "unique talent, a singular voice and an irreplaceable".
"I've known Miriam since we were both teenagers. Over the years we had many musical and operatic adventures together. Her voice was quite simply a phenomenon. It kept giving and giving with seemingly endless reserves of power, strength, musicality and finesse. You would not hear a pin drop when she sang. Her ability to cast a spell and command attention was unparalleled," he said.
"It's hard to believe that we will not hear Miriam's magnificent voice soaring above a symphony orchestra once again. Her unique ability to cast a spell on an audience is gone with her. It's heart-breaking to realise that we won't hear that laugh any more or enjoy the company of a true friend. It's absolutely right to say that we won't see the likes of her again," Mr Shiel said.
Head of the Kerry School of Music Aidan O'Carroll also paid tribute to his close friend and arguably the school's most famous graduate.
"We are deeply shocked and overwhelmed with sadness to learn of the sudden death of outstanding Kerry School alumna and life-long friend Miriam Murphy. Miriam's association with KSM goes back more than 40 years when she was first encouraged to take singing lessons at the school. The rest, as is said, is history. Our deepest sympathy to her mother Marie, brother John, aunts and extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," said Mr O'Carroll in a statement on behalf of the school community.
Veronica Dunne - Miriam Murphy's singing coach - said she was stunned and saddened to hear of the passing of her great friend.
"Sing with the angels our darling girl. You will be sadly missed," she said.
Among the many others to pay tribute to Ms Murphy were the Royal Opera in London; The Abbey Theatre; Chamber Choir Ireland, of which Murphy was a former member; The National Concert Hall; The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra; Irish opera star Ailish Tynan and leading London Opera Director James Clutton.
