Heavens to Betsy!
Dame Kiri te Kanawa is 80 years old...
A "national treasure" here in the UK [despite being a born and bred New Zealander] since Charles and Diana's marriage way back in 1982, Dame Kiri's dulcets have indeed been an integral part of the classical repertoire for many decades. She's appeared on the best world stages, including the Royal Opera House, La Scala Milan, Paris Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Vienna State Opera, Sydney Opera House and the New York Met; she was chosen by Leonard Bernstein for his award-winning classical adaptation of West Side Story, sang the "signature tune" for the 1991 Rugby World Cup, starred as "Dame Nellie Melba" in Downton Abbey and was an enduring favourite choice of the late HM The Queen for many a Royal celebration...
...like this one:
Many happy returns, Dame Kiri Jeanette Claire Te Kanawa, ONZ, CH, DBE, AC (born Claire Mary Teresa Rawstron, 6th March 1944)
[Read my previous tribute to the grande dame @adecadeago on the occasion of her 70th birthday.]
Happy Birthday Dame Kiri.
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A national treasure. Jx
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