Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Operatic luminary
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is a world-renowned soprano recognized for her interpretations of Mozart and Strauss, she is celebrated for her extraordinary voice and contributions to the world of opera.
The magic happened on stage. You were so in the zone that you never thought about it all being unreal. It was everything I’d ever dreamed of. I kept thinking, my mother would be so proud of me.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
A voice that resonates through time
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has captivated audiences around the globe with her powerful, graceful performances.
Known for her rich, velvety voice and commanding stage presence, Dame Kiri is one of the most beloved figures in opera.
A divine presence
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s journey in music began in her New Zealand where she was born.
At the age of 21, she travelled to Britain to study at the London Opera Centre, where her talent quickly gained attention. Her breakout role came as the Countess Almaviva in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Royal Opera House in 1971, a performance that catapulted her onto the international stage. Her reputation grew further in 1974 when she famously stepped into the role of Desdemona in Otello at short notice, demonstrating her versatility and professionalism. Known for her interpretations of Mozart, Richard Strauss, Verdi and Puccini, she became the first Rolex Testimonee in the arts in 1976, a role she holds to this day as one of the brand’s most esteemed partners.
Her distinguished career highlights include a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording in 1984 and her celebrated performance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, broadcast to millions worldwide. Te Kanawa’s repertoire includes 18 leading roles in operas by some of the most renowned composers, and her discography spans 16 full operas, as well as oratorios, song cycles, lieder, and three collections of all-Māori music.
Dame Kiri’s influence extends beyond her performances. A record-breaking concert in Auckland drew an astonishing 140,000 fans, and she has contributed significantly to arts education through the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, assisting young New Zealand opera singers to advance their careers, with the support of Rolex. In 2006, Te Kanawa was awarded the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement. In 2011, she became Patron of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, further cementing her legacy as a guiding force in the world of opera. Her recent honours include the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 40th Gramophone Classical Music Awards in 2017, and in 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music.
