Kiri Te Kanawa
Biography
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa gained legendary status almost overnight following her sensational debut as the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1971. She has since moved rapidly into the top ranks of international opera, becoming one of the most famous sopranos in the world.
At the time of her operatic debut Dame Kiri was already an experienced concert and recording artist, and equally at home in front of the cameras as on stage. Continuing to develop as a recitalist, she is now a much sought-after singer in a wide variety of musical contexts.
In her career, Dame Kiri has released a number of distinguished classical recordings, and outside the operatic field her recordings are equally extensive. Testament to her versatility and poise, she has recorded an album of American popular songs, which she followed with albums of Gershwin and Bernstein’s only recording of 'West Side Story'.
Dame Kiri has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Classical BRIT Awards and will performing at the awards at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 May.
This Award comes at a pinnacle moment in Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s career as she uses her lifetime's experience to nurture brand new talent. Not only does she have her own foundation helping young New Zealand students, but she also teaches each July at the Solti Te Kanawa Accademia in Italy as well as doing master classes around the world including the Met where she is currently performing and teaching.
Music
In 2006 Dame Kiri released an album with celebrated composer, Karl Jenkins . 'Kiri Sings Karl' marks their first collaboration and marries the distinctive musical world of Jenkins to the unique vocal talents of Dame Kiri.
Described as songs of mystery and enchantment, the album features five works by Karl, including In Paradisum, and some wonderful songs by the late Argentinean composer, Guastavino.
Discography
2006 - Kiri Sings Karl
2003 - The Very Best Of
2001 - Kiri - The Best Of
1999 -Maori Songs
1997 - French Songs and Arias
1992 - Kiri Sidetracks
1990 - Portrait of Kiri Te Kanawa
Mozart: Die Zauberflõte
1987 - Kiri Sings Gershwin
1984 - Ave Maria
Handel: Messiah
Christmas with Kiri
1982 - Verdi and Puccini Arias
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Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - An Exclusive InterviewDame Kiri Te Kanawa has been a leading light in the opera world for 40 years so we leapt at the chance to speak to her.
