Date of Birth: March 6, 1944
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is a renowned New Zealand opera singer who gained international fame for her versatile soprano voice, captivating performances, and charismatic stage presence. Born in Gisborne, New Zealand, she was adopted at an early age by Maori parents and grew up with a strong connection to her cultural heritage. She studied music at Saint Mary’s College and later attended the London Opera Centre, where she honed her vocal skills. Te Kanawa’s big break came in 1971 when she was cast as the Countess in Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and it launched her into the spotlight. Over the next few decades, she performed in major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Vienna State Opera. In addition to her opera career, Te Kanawa has made numerous recordings, both of opera arias and popular songs, and has performed in concert halls globally. She has also been involved in mentoring young singers and has established the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation to support the next generation of opera talent.
5 Interesting Facts about Kiri Te Kanawa
1. Kiri Te Kanawa was adopted by Maori parents, which influenced her strong ties to Maori culture.
2. She performed at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, which was watched by an estimated 750 million people worldwide.
3. She has received numerous honors, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1982.
4. Te Kanawa retired from opera in 2017 but continues to be active in mentoring and supporting young artists.
5. She has a wide-ranging repertoire that includes not only opera but also jazz, sacred music, and popular songs.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kiri Te Kanawa
1. “I had to make a decision: move on to the next chapter or stay in the same place. I chose to move on.”
2. “I have always believed that opera is a reflection of life, and it should be treated with the same respect and care.”
3. “Singing is about telling a story, and if you can’t tell a story, it doesn’t matter how beautiful your voice is.”
4. “A voice is a gift, and I believe in using it to the best of my ability.”
5. “I want to be remembered as someone who gave her all, who was always striving for excellence and who cared deeply about the future of opera.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Kiri Te Kanawa’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Kiri Te Kanawa has two adopted children, Antonia and Thomas, whom she has raised with great love and care.
Relevant Links
1. [Kiri Te Kanawa – Official Website](http://www.kiritekanawa.org
2. [Wikipedia – Kiri Te Kanawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiri_Te_Kanawa
3. [The Guardian – Kiri Te Kanawa](https://www.theguardian.com/music/kiri-te-kanawa
4. [BBC – Dame Kiri Te Kanawa](https://www.bbc.com/culture/kiri-te-kanawa
5. [Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation](http://www.kiritekanawa.org/foundation
