Dame Kiri recalls Dunedin break

Much has changed for the artist formerly known as Claire Mary Teresa Rawstron.

Tonight, after a glittering career in the world's great concert halls, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa presents her first solo recital in Dunedin.

The diva says she has fond memories of Dunedin.

"I first went there in 1965 for the Mobil Song Quest. Winning that was a major boost for a 21-year-old. And it was also in Dunedin that I first met the Queen - which is something you don't forget."

The 300 prize money and a New Zealand Arts Council bursary allowed her to move to London in 1966 and study at the London Opera Centre.

In 1970, she returned to Dunedin to sing for the British Royal Family in the town hall.

After the concert, Dame Kiri was invited to join the royals aboard the yacht Britannia in Otago Harbour.

There she met Prince Charles, who would later ask her to sing at his 1981 wedding to Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

The largest television audience in history - estimated at 600 million people - watched her perform Handel's Let the Bright Seraphim at the wedding.

Dame Kiri is reluctant to do press interviews these days.

Live performance has also taken a back seat in recent years, making tonight's recital a rare treat.

In an interview with the Otago Daily Times two years ago, she she sang the praises of Dunedin singers.

"It's wonderful seeing the talent coming out of Dunedin. There are a lot of very talented singers and teachers in Dunedin."

Much of her time is now spent training the future stars of opera, through her Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation and Solti Academy in Tuscany.

"I thought about what I lacked when I went over there [to Europe]. There are so many difficulties to overcome. I just want to help. I can make a call, or write a letter and it can make a big difference. I just open the doors for people who I know are going to do very well."

University of Otago piano lecturer Prof Terence Dennis is on the board of the foundation and will accompany Dame Kiri tonight in a recital of works by Mozart, Strauss, Gustavino and Pucchini.

Dame Kiri has described the pianist as "world class".

Dame Kiri was born Claire Mary Teresa Rawstron in Gisborne in 1944 and raised by her adoptive Maori father and Pakeha mother, Tom and Nell Te Kanawa.

She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1982 and received the Order of New Zealand in 1995.

Last week, she was awarded a British Recording Industry Classical Lifetime Achievement "Brit Award".

"I've been very lucky. But, I've worked extremely hard to be lucky. Overall, it's been a wonderful career."

• Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in recital is at 8pm in the Dunedin Town Hall, accompanied by Terence Dennis.