In Conversation with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (The Royal Opera)

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has delighted audiences around the world for decades. Watch one of the outstanding sopranos of her generation talk to Sir John Tusa about her extraordinary career.
Find out more about Dame Kiri at www.roh.org.uk/people/kiri-te-...
Te Kanawa was born in Gisborne, New Zealand. She was educated at Saint Mary's College, Auckland, and began her singing training there as a mezzo-soprano. She won the Mobil Song Quest and the Melbourne Sun-Aria contest and enrolled at the National Opera Studio, where she received classical training as a soprano. Her sensational performance as Countess Almaviva at the Royal Opera House in 1971 launched an international career as one of the greatest lyric sopranos of her generation. In addition to performing lead roles in all of the major opera houses she has appeared in concert with the world's leading conductors and orchestras and has an extensive discography.
Te Kanawa has received numerous awards and accolades, including honorary doctorates from more than ten universities, the Order of Australia, the Order of New Zealand and a DBE. She founded the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, which provides financial and career scholarships to young New Zealand singers and musicians. She became Patron of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World (2011), returning in 2013. In autumn 2013 she made a guest appearance on the television series 'Downton Abbey' as Dame Nellie Melba.

[@wotan10950]

I was lucky enough to see Dame Kiri in New York quite a few times. I remember closing my eyes in Act II of Traviata and thinking, “You will never hear a sound as exquisite as this.” She was radiant in voice and demeanor.

[@theblueangel28]

this shows why she is so unique among classical artists she's not hung up on herself she's not inflated, self-important, reaching, or pretentious its why her readings of the arias and operas are always the most tasteful, authentic, and pure

[@harmonyharps4663]

Thank you Dame Kiri for the wonderful performances and the pleasure you have given.

[@NDiaz-et6hc]

My favourite lady. A gorgeous talented soul.❤ Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

[@damekirilover]

For me, she is one of the most beautiful persons in the world!

[@didih1457]

Dame Kiri Lover Oh yes, I agree .

[@Kismetdubz]

So beautiful inside and out - sublime talent and has given such absolute pleasure to millions. Dame Kiri is the real deal! ❤️❤️Mxx

[@duanewaihi4453]

Big fan since I was kid growing up in New Zealand.

[@chicagozephyr2399]

She's a Dame...but a remarkably humble one with an incredible voice.

[@didih1457]

I hope she keeps well in future. Always !

[@nucisfan17]

"it wasn't about money.." just adore you!

[@uwedornenburg3994]

What a charming, most attractive woman, Mdm. Kiri te Kanawa is. I do love the movements of her eyes. Wonderful person.

[@pianoman9685]

Love you Kiri

[@pianoman9685]

You helped me out of total despair

[@savioalves1234]

She is perfect.

[@Knappa22]

When she talks of the ‘conserve’ method of singing I wonder whether that only applies to certain types of voices? When you think of dramatic sopranos like Dame Gwyneth Jones or Eileen Farrell, they are practically singing at forte for much of their time on stage yet they don’t tire out.

[@user-fm6bl3qx5k]

❤❤❤

[@RepublicofMAC]

Love the dogs. Does anyone know what breed they are?

[@Wavewolfaroha]

Pomeranian-Yorkshire terrier crosses. I'm amazed how they sit together so amiably!

[@normaponcedeleon1462]

Mi admiración or ella es inmensa.Podrian traduci al español esta conversación .Por favor. Gracias

[@rolandoponcedeleon1990]

Tienes que tener traductor en tu ordenador....besitos ..Rolando

[@mirellacortes9548]

es una persona maravillosa y talentosa

[@ternitamas]

what with the dogs??

[@AlexanderValentinov]

What does she do with the dogs when she is in NZ ?

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Well she doesn't eat them, if that's what you're wondering. We don't go in for that sort of thing down here. ;)

[@AlexanderValentinov]

I am wondering whether she takes them with her to NZ or leaves them in English with someone who cares for them for a while ;))) So - do you know anything like that sort of things with her?

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Alexander Valentinov 'Fraid I don't actually know. Sorry! :)

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Anthony Brattoli Well it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but thanks. :)

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Anthony Brattoli Hey, don't knock your own country, mate. Everyone should be proud of where they come from. :)

[@barrydelisle8655]

The trouble with opera is that most of it is Italian or German. As the dominant language is English it needed to be translated for the particular country its in. Shame that not much has been done to record in English

[@jasonhurd4379]

Actually quite a bit has been done to record opera in English, particularly by the Peter Moores Foundation.

[@mariarahelvarnhagen2729]

Don Rickles And His Farce Act Of Winston Churchill Does Not Make A Dame, This 50/50 Split Does