“Hab mir’s gelobt” from Der Rosenkavalier with an introduction by Beverly Sills.
Strauss, you amazing man. Thank you for giving us this piece of heaven!!
Tracks
BBC VIDEO
Interview on film with Dame Kiri.
The patron of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition says the event is a “wonderful shop window” for up and coming stars.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will also be judging the main prize this week in the Welsh capital.
It is 30 years since the competition took place for the first time and has launched the careers of dozens of classical singers in the years since.
The final takes place in St David’s Hall on Sunday.
BBC Wales’ arts correspondent Huw Thomas spoke to Dame Kiri.
Dame Kiri on Cardiff Singer of the World
The patron of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition says the event is a “wonderful shop window” for up and coming stars.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will also be judging the main prize this week in the Welsh capital.
It is 30 years since the competition took place for the first time and has launched the careers of dozens of classical singers in the years since.
The final takes place in St David’s Hall on Sunday.
BBC Wales’ arts correspondent Huw Thomas spoke to Dame Kiri.
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World's 30th Anniversary
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s first blog on the Huffington Post!
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BBC Cardiff Singer of the World’s 30th Anniversary
“I’ve been eagerly anticipating the start of this year’s 30th anniversary BBC Cardiff Singer of the World contest, which has been firmly in my diary for the last 18 months. I’ve been following the months of preparation leading up to next week, to the extraordinary, challenging competition, which viewers and listeners around the world have the chance to see - and it represents the culmination of many, many months of musical preparation by each of the candidates. It’s a world-wide event, a fantastic platform!
For aspiring young singers, the contest is an essential stage for emerging singers at a crucial point of career development. And for me, it is such a thrill and honour to be Patron and jury member of this competition, a full week of listening to young singers who are so eager to grow and progress into the professional world of opera.
From my own early experiences of studying at the London Opera Centre, in what is now the National Opera studio, I understand how essential it is to be given such a unique opportunity as this at the outset of one’s career. There can be no doubt that the 20 singers will be assessed by the best professionals from the world of music, and they will each need to present a very high standard of singing. It’s a competition at the end of the day. The singing world has changed immensely, the expectations of professionals is huge, and these competitors will need to rise to this and deliver their best under enormous pressure.
I expect very, very good technique from the singers selected, to sing the songs and arias that match their voice, so their voice to fit beautifully in the world of opera singing, and to be themselves, to interpret and communicate, most importantly to communicate. I feel it’s essential to be connected with the conductor and the orchestra, but to be as one in delivering the message of the aria to the audience. The hall will be full to the brim of people who have made a special journey to hear these young performers, and they will need to be entertained and inspired.
It’s extremely important in this busy world to have as much exposure as possible, and the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition is quite distinctive as the television and radio coverage is so extensive, they will be heard on BBC television, radio and online, it really puts people on the map. It provides an extraordinary showcase, to perform in front of producers and agents, and to work with world-renowned conductors and orchestras.
I’ve been lucky enough to experience the incredible rewards that opera can bring, and it’s now time to be able to share my own experience with the next generation of singers. There will be challenges for these young singers along the road, but the satisfaction and rewards will be far greater. It is an occasion which will reveal the finest quality of singers and I am very pleased to be a part of this extraordinary competition. It’s a big title, and to have that name attached to yours, I wouldn’t mind it!”
- Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
Starts Monday 17 June on BBC Television, Radio and Online - bbc.co.uk/cardiffsinger
Kiri te Kanawa "Opera singers need a bit of beef"
So, the amazing-legendary and fabulous Dame Kiri te Kanawa has caused some stir in the opera world by saying that “Opera singers need a bit of beef” in order to preform well. I want to know your opinions !!!!!
Opening scene of Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, with Tatiana Troyanos and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Thereâs more to opera than a fat lady singing
The last time I went to the opera was a month ago, to see The Magic Flute at Covent Garden.
Did somebody say something?
Interesting analysis by Proper Discord on how different media have reported the Kiri Te Kanawa story
“I must run out and buy a copy of the Radio Times. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has an interview in the latest edition containing revelations so explosive that they have been reported in all the broadsheets….”
Kiri Te Kanawa hits out at skinny culture in opera singers
Kiwi soprano claims that female singers need “beef” to hit high notes in opera
Today's skinny singers need some beef on their bones, says curvaceous Dame Kiri
Dame Kiri, 69, said the pressure on female opera stars to be as slim as their Hollywood counterparts was ridiculous and young hopefuls struggle to measure up in the voice department because they are too thin.
Skinny singers should ‘bulk up’ to perform well, says opera star | The Times
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa says young singers are afraid to put on weight, telling them: ‘you’ve got to have beef on you if you’re going to sing’
Surely one year BBC Cardiff Singer of the World will get it right? - WalesOnline Magazine Lifestyle Blog
West Side Story
The making of the recording
New York, 1985
Leonard Bernstein
Kiri Te Kanawa
José Carreras
Tatiana Troyanos
WHAT MAKES A GREAT SOPRANO, A DOCUMENTARY WITH DAME KIRI TE KANAWA.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa takes a personal journey exploring the physical and artistic demands of being an international soprano in the 21st century.
In the documentary you’ll also find:Renée Fleming, Diana Damrau and Anna Netrebko.
The programme also features a selection of Dame Kiri’s own favourite performances of the past, from the early recordings of Dame Nellie Melba to the famous voices of Maria Callas, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Kirsten Flagstad, Leontyne Price and Dame Joan Sutherland. Dame Kiri explains what makes each of these voices unique, revealing the extraordinary diversity that lies behind the simple label ‘soprano’.
