Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a celebrated New Zealand soprano, has graced the world of opera and classical music with her exquisite voice and compelling performances. Born on March 6, 1944, in Gisborne, she rose to prominence after winning the prestigious Mobil Song Quest in 1965, which led to her study at the London Opera Centre. Te Kanawa's international breakthrough came in 1971 when she debuted as the Countess in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Her pure and lyrical voice, coupled with her commanding stage presence, quickly established her as one of the leading sopranos of her generation.

Kiri Te Kanawa's illustrious career spans a wide repertoire, although she is particularly renowned for her interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and Puccini. Her recording legacy is extensive, including her recent works such as "Herbert: Cello Concertos; Operetta Spectacular," which showcases her versatility beyond the conventional opera repertoire. Te Kanawa has also dedicated much of her post-stage career to nurturing upcoming talents through the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. Despite announcing her retirement from public performance in 2017, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's recordings continue to testify to her artistry and her contributions to the arts. Her albums like "Waiata," which features the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, not only reflect her operatic excellence but also her commitment to her cultural heritage.

Genres

Classical Soprano

Opera

Related Artists

Renée Fleming

Jessye Norman

Cecilia Bartoli

Angela Gheorghiu

Anna Netrebko

Leontyne Price

Birgit Nilsson

Maria Callas

Dame Joan Sutherland

Mirella Freni

Barbara Hendricks

Teresa Berganza

Latest Release

Herbert: Cello Concertos; Operetta Spectacular

Victor Herbert•

Sir Neville Marriner•

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields•

Lynn Harrell•

London Symphony Orchestra•

Kiri Te Kanawa

Album - 23 Tracks - Released March 8, 2019