Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Celebrates 70th Birthday in Gala Recital at Festival Theatre, May 18

One of New Zealand's most loved artists, songstress Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will celebrate her 70th Birthday year in a gala recital in the Festival Theatre on 18 May.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's glorious soprano voice soars beyond the borders and culture of her native New Zealand. Like Sutherland, Melba and Callas, her formidable vocal talents are already scored in world musical history.

The evening will be a memorable opportunity to hear why she is regarded as one of the world's outstanding operatic singers. Accompanied by renowned New Zealand pianist, Terrence Dennis, she'll perform personal favourites from Mozart, Handel, Piszt, Puccini, Gusatavino and Canteloube.

With a front-rank career spanning over forty years, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has become one of the most famous and most honoured sopranos in recent musical history. With a rich recording career including 16 full operas, along with countless performances and television appearances, Dame Kiri is a musical legend. She was created a Dame in 1982, has been conferred with honorary degrees from Oxford and Cambridge Universities in the UK, is an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music and in 2012 was the recipient of the Iconic New Zealander of the Year Award. She is also a member of the Order of Australia and Order of New Zealand.

National Tour dates include:

Melbourne Recital Centre Elizabeth Murdoch Hall, 10 & 11 May

Perth Concert Hall, 13 May

Canberra Llewellyn Hall, 16 May

Sydney Opera House Joan Sutherland Theatre, 20 May

"Combine the voice with a deep musical intelligence .....add an adventurous choice of repertoire and a generous stage presence and you end up with a recital that nears perfection." SYDNEY MORNING HERALD