President Michael D. Higgins and Minister Catherine Martin are among those who have paid tribute to acclaimed Irish opera singer and music teacher Veronica Dunne, who has died, aged 93.

Dunne, who was born in Dublin, studied in Rome in the 1940s, and made her operatic debut in 1948, as Micaëla in Carmen. She went on to become an internationally renowned soprano, and established the famous Veronica Dunne  International Singing Competition in 1995.

President Michael D. Higgins noted that the death of Veronica Dunne "will have deeply saddened all those who love the power and beauty of music."

"Throughout her life, Dr. Veronica Dunne captivated millions with her singing," he continued. "The legacy she leaves lies in the talents of those scores of others whose talents and performances she unlocked with her enthusiasm, energy and commitment as a teacher and friend.

"Guided by her warmth, passion and energy, she developed the Veronica Dunne Competition, from its beginnings in 1995, into one of the foremost international singing competitions in the world.

"I had the privilege, in 2014, of presenting her with the ‘National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award’.

"Sabina and I send our deepest condolences to her family, her many friends, including her former students, and the community of music lovers who will feel her loss so keenly.”

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, also expressed her condolences – describing Dunne as "a real trailblazer as a musician, teacher and an utterly inspiring woman, with an incredible career that spanned 70 years."

"She leaves in her wake a long line of gifted singers and she has inspired generations of musicians worldwide," the Minister added. "Veronica Dunne will also be remembered for her great voice and her impressive career as an opera singer - both at home and abroad - for many years in many different roles. She was much loved for her contribution to music, to teaching and encouraging up and coming musicians.”

See more tributes to Veronica Dunne below:

She will be greatly missed but will long remain in our memories.

Our condolences to her family and friends at this very difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis pic.twitter.com/4Zv0QiIFTG

— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) April 5, 2021

Rest in Peace, Veronica Dunne. She was a legendary ambassador for music in Ireland and her legacy lives on through the stellar performers and teachers that she nurtured, at the RIAM, Leinster School of Music and in TUDublin. pic.twitter.com/6Ld5hX1oXh

— RIAMDublin (@RIAMDublin) April 5, 2021

The extraordinary life force of Veronica Dunne, her passion for singing and her generosity of spirit will live on through all her remarkable students. It was an immense pleasure and privilege to know her and work with her as a colleague for many years @RIAMDublin #RIPRonnieDunne pic.twitter.com/sxxAmbTpSx

— RIAMOpera (@RIAMOpera) April 5, 2021

I’m broken hearted. My gorgeous teacher and friend. I will miss our chats and the laughs we had. Ronnie was amazing! She was always so encouraging and gave great advice. She loved life and she made a huge impact on everyone she met. I loved her and I know she was loved by many pic.twitter.com/NLorFYH86O

— Celine Byrne (@CelineSoprano) April 5, 2021

A very very sad day not just for @VDISComp but for lovers of opera throughout the country and beyond. RIP the amazing legend Ronnie Dunne

— Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition (@VDISComp) April 5, 2021

We are deeply saddened at the passing of Ronnie, Dr. Veronica Dunne. Ronnie was immense, so loved as a teacher, a mentor, a friend, a colleague and as an indomitable supporter of singers and singing. Her loss will be felt by so many in Ireland and beyond. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/4DlK1UIavF

— National Symphony Orchestra (@NSOrchestraIRL) April 5, 2021