Dame Kiri Te Kanawa recital tour

11 January 2016

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa recital tour

A six venue recital tour by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in March will provide a unique opportunity for many New Zealanders to see one of the world’s greatest opera singers live in concert in their own communities.

The tour opens with a gala event in Christchurch on Dame Kiri’s 72nd birthday, March 7, at the historic Isaac Theatre Royal. In addition to Christchurch the tour will include recitals in Invercargill, Wellington as part of the New Zealand Festival (with the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir), Gisborne (a real homecoming event – Dame Kiri has not performed previously in recital there), and for the first time in Tauranga and Blenheim.

“The Gisborne and Tauranga events are already sold out,” tour organiser Paul Gleeson said. “I think people realise that this could be a last opportunity to experience one of the world’s most loved voices.”

Dame Kiri will be accompanied by one of New Zealand’s finest musicians, the internationally acclaimed pianist Terence Dennis, and the repertoire will feature a specially selected programme of romantic songs and arias that will delight music lovers.

These will include Dame Kiri’s personal favourites from Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi, Puccini, Heggie, Guastavino, Obradors, Ginastera and Canteloube, as well as a selection of traditional folk songs.

Dame Kiri said she was excited to be invited to bring her music to the six centres.

“I am looking forward very much to connecting with many friends and renewing old friendships. I hope those who attend will enjoy the musical experience” she said. “The songs I have selected are all personal favourites and it is always a pleasure to share my music.”

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