One of New Zealand's top opera singers is bowing out after 50 years on the stage. Dame Malvina Major says she will now spend her time helping the next generation, including Kiwi group Sol3 Mio.
The 72-year-old, once crowned New Zealand Entertainer of the Year 1992, said her days were now spent teaching at Waikato University and travelling overseas visiting top music institutions.
"My time is now devoted to the young people," she said on Newstalk ZB this morning.
Dame Malvina admitted the shift from singing on stage to teaching was different. "I absolutely adored my performing. I loved being an actress and I loved being in character in opera."
However, she had no regrets. "I've been to some wonderful places and met some wonderful people."
Some opera singers were born with the "X-factor" - something that cannot be taught, she said.
"That charisma, that voice that extra something. You can't give it to anybody."
Dame Malvina was enthusiastic about the three men of Sol3 Mio, calling them "brilliant".
"They are very good entrepreneurs. They are really good at looking after each other and they are great at business planning really."
She joked about "telling them off" at times.
"If you tell them off, as I do sometimes, they look at you like they have been really naughty boys," she laughed.
Dame Malvina was made a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008, which was changed in 2009 to Grande Dame of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
In 2012, she was elevated to the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZ)
She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award at the Women of Influence awards last year.
Dame Malvina also has Honorary Doctorates from both Waikato and Massey university.
