Kiri Te Kanawa

Dame Kiri Jeanette Claire Te Kanawa, ONZ, CH, DBE, AC, born Claire Mary Teresa Rawstron on March 6, 1944, is a renowned retired opera singer from New Zealand. Renowned for her full lyric soprano voice, described as both warm and vibrant, Te Kanawa enjoyed significant acclaim, particularly in the mid-1980s when she released three top 40 albums in Australia.

Throughout her illustrious career, Te Kanawa captivated audiences with her performances of classical works spanning from the 17th to the 20th century. She is especially celebrated for her interpretations of compositions by Mozart, Strauss, Verdi, Handel, and Puccini, often portraying regal characters that showcased her exceptional vocal talent.

Though Te Kanawa transitioned away from opera in her later years, she remained active in the music community, performing concerts, offering masterclasses, and mentoring emerging opera talents. Her final stage appearance took place in Ballarat, Australia, in October 2016, though she officially announced her retirement in September 2017.

Born to a Māori father and an Irish-descended mother in Gisborne, New Zealand, Te Kanawa was adopted as an infant by Thomas and Nell Te Kanawa. She received her education at St Mary's College in Auckland and honed her singing skills under Sister Mary Leo Niccol. Notably, her recording of "Nuns' Chorus" from the operetta Casanova made history as New Zealand's first gold record. A winner of the Mobil Song Quest in 1965, her early career included a stint in New Zealand’s pop music scene before transitioning to classical singing, leading her to become one of the most beloved opera singers of her generation.