Divine dames KIWI CONS CHANGING LIVES
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|November 28, 2022
Some of our favourite women share their inspirations, triumphs and an achievement they're especially proud of
Divine dames KIWI CONS CHANGING LIVES

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Nothing is impossible

She's one of the most recognisable names in New Zealand's gallery of greats. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has shone brightly on the world stage since the 1960s with a celebrated opera career that included singing at the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer - a performance watched by an estimated 600 million people around the world.

She created an unforgettable international sensation when she debuted as the Countess in Covent Garden's production of The Marriage of Figaro in 1971. Dame Kiri continued to sing at Covent Garden for many years, as well as performing in most of the world's great opera houses, in particular the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Paris Opera, where she also appeared in a number of new productions.

Dame Kiri has recorded more than 80 albums and was for many years the world's leading female classical recording star. Her glorious lyric soprano voice has been variously described as one of the greatest of the 20th century.

Her career has also included recording West Side Story with its composer Leonard Bernstein and appearing in an episode of Downton Abbey. She has performed before royalty and presidents, including singing Happy Birthday at Buckingham Palace to our late Queen in 2006.

Her awards and honours bestowed from around the world are simply too extensive to list here.

But Dame Kiri isn't short of a joke when asked to name her greatest triumph. "Living to 78 is a triumph!" she laughs. After a career spanning more than five decades, the soprano says she lives by two mantras: tell the truth and know who you are.

"Don't try and be who you're not," she says. "And the other thing is, sort out the givers from the takers. Just the smallest of things will tell me if someone's a taker. That's not the company I want to keep as long as I'm giving too, of course."

Denne historien er fra November 28, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 28, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYSe alt
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024