Kiri Te Kanawa is a renowned New Zealand lyric soprano celebrated for her exceptional interpretations of works by Mozart and Strauss. Her professional journey began in the 1960s after winning various singing competitions in New Zealand and Australia, which led her to study at the prestigious London Opera Centre. This foundational training set the stage for her remarkable career in opera, where she quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and stage presence.

Te Kanawa’s rise to stardom took off in the 1970s with her performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Her portrayal of the Countess in Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in 1971 marked her first major success, followed by acclaimed roles in other Mozart operas and Puccini’s “La Bohème” as Mimi. Her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1974 as Desdemona in Verdi’s “Otello” solidified her status as a leading soprano, earning her widespread acclaim and a dedicated following.

In addition to her operatic achievements, Te Kanawa gained international fame when she performed at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, captivating an audience of over 600 million with her rendition of Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraphim.” Her contributions to music were recognized with her appointment as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982, along with similar honors in Australia and New Zealand.

Although she began to reduce her opera performances in 2002, Te Kanawa remained active in concerts and recitals, founding the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation in 2004 to support emerging New Zealand musicians. She continued to perform until her retirement from opera in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the world of classical music and a commitment to nurturing future talent.