Kiri Te Kanawa Quotes

Powerful Kiri Te Kanawa for Daily Growth

About Kiri Te Kanawa

Kiwi-born soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (1944 - present) is renowned as one of the most celebrated operatic singers of the late 20th century. Born in Gisborne, New Zealand, she was introduced to music by her mother who played the piano and taught her to sing before she started school. Te Kanawa's career began in earnest when she won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1965. There, under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, she honed her prodigious talent. Her first major breakthrough came in 1971 when she was chosen to sing Adele in Strauss's "Die Fledermaus" at Covent Garden. This role catapulted her to international stardom. Throughout her illustrious career, Te Kanawa performed in all the world's major opera houses and with the most prestigious orchestras. Some of her most memorable roles include Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata," Donna Elvira in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," and Marguerite in Gounod's "Faust." In addition to her operatic performances, Te Kanawa was also a sought-after recitalist. Her interpretation of the works of Schubert, Strauss, and Wolf were particularly acclaimed. She recorded more than 150 albums, including complete opera recordings and solo recitals. Te Kanawa was awarded numerous accolades for her contributions to music. In 1974, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2003, she received the Polar Music Prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Beyond her professional achievements, Te Kanawa is known for her philanthropic efforts and commitment to music education. She established the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation in New Zealand to provide scholarships for aspiring musicians and has worked tirelessly to promote opera and classical music around the world. Quotes from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa include: "Music is a universal language that can heal, uplift, and inspire," and "To sing well is to feel well; if you're not feeling it, you'll never really sing it." These words reflect her passion for music and her belief in its power to touch people's hearts.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I never think I'm going to be successful. I just keep on going forward and see what happens."

This quote by Kiri Te Kanawa expresses a mindset that emphasizes persistence and continuous effort, rather than relying on expectations of success. It suggests that one should focus on progress and moving forward, trusting in the process, rather than fixating on the end result or outcome. This approach encourages resilience and adaptability, fostering an attitude that allows for growth and learning from experiences along the way.

"Music is such a powerful force in bringing people together."

This quote by Kiri Te Kanawa emphasizes the unifying power of music across cultures, races, and backgrounds. Music transcends boundaries and has an innate ability to connect individuals emotionally, bridging the gaps between them. It serves as a universal language that allows people from diverse walks of life to communicate and share experiences on a deeper level. Thus, music fosters empathy, understanding, and unity among people.

"I believe that singing should always come from the heart and soul."

This quote suggests that authentic, meaningful, and powerful singing comes not just from technical skills or vocal training, but primarily from the emotional depth within a person. It emphasizes that sincere emotions, felt deeply in both heart and soul, are crucial to create a genuine and moving performance. In essence, it's saying that the essence of great singing lies in the connection between the artist's inner self and their musical expression.

"There are no shortcuts; if you want to become a great artist, it takes many years of hard work and dedication."

This quote emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and long-term dedication in achieving greatness as an artist. It signifies that there is no quick fix or easy path to mastery; rather, one must invest significant time, energy, and passion into their craft to reap its rewards over a prolonged period. In other words, talent alone is not enough – hard work, persistence, and resilience are crucial ingredients in the recipe for success as a great artist.

"I'm not interested in singing for my own glory or vanity - I sing because I love music."

Kiri Te Kanawa expresses a deep, selfless devotion to her artform, music. Her statement suggests that she finds fulfillment not in personal recognition or fame, but rather in the act of singing itself. This perspective underscores a profound love for music, which transcends personal gain and motivates her performance. In essence, her passion for music drives her to share it with others.

I really believe I've been a good person. Not perfect - forget about perfect - but just learning by what I was taught and living by my own values. I might have stepped on a few ants - and a few other things as well - but I've never hurt anybody.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Ants, Other, Been, My Own

I'm completely in charge of my own life now. Sometimes there's no one there to slap me on the hand and say: 'Stop being so bullish and bossy,' and things like that.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

My Own, Like, Charge, Bullish

We sing these songs for the everyday occasions of life, and they are very close to the hearts of our people.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

People, Very, Our, Our People

When I'm alone at home, I really prefer to listen to Wagner's orchestral music rather than any vocal music. I find it illuminating not to have to pay attention to voices in the recordings.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Rather, Illuminating, Prefer, Orchestral

I only have so much energy, so something had to go. This is why, at the end of the day, I've preserved my sanity for the children and also manage to do my best at work.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Work, Go, Why, Manage

My children are my children. There's no doubt about that at all. They're very strong towards me, very protective, and I towards them. It works both ways.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Strong, Very, Works, Both Ways

I tell students, 'If you are learning from YouTube I almost don't want to teach you because what you learn from YouTube it takes 10 times as long to unlearn.' They do an approximation of the centre of the note, an approximation of the interpretation, a cloned version.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

YouTube, Note, Unlearn, Approximation

My energy is undiminished. Someone said to me the other day, 'Are you retired?' and I said, 'Well, I'm just trying to prove that I'm not.' There's so many things to do.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Prove, Other, Many, Retired

I used to suffer from a lot of regret while touring. Regret at having to leave certain places, people and situations, or just a beautiful day.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Regret, Having, Touring, Situations

I grew up in the New Zealand countryside. We didn't have television until I was 14, so sing-alongs were our only entertainment.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

New, Entertainment, Countryside

I knew that I could be more creative onstage, to state my own case and deliver my own interpretation of the role much more aggressively than in the recording studio.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Role, My Own, Studio, Recording Studio

When I perform Strauss, it is as if the music fits me like a glove. My voice seems to lie in a happy area in this music, which is lyrical and passionate at the same time.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Voice, Area, Which, Lyrical

Opera is for a lifetime, not just a minute.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Opera, Lifetime, Just, Minute

I felt that the studio recording process makes you stand still too long.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Process, Studio, Still, Recording

The word 'no' is a very good word in a singer's repertoire.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

Singer, Word, Very, Repertoire

I'm more confident now than I've ever been. As you get older, you have to be.

- Kiri Te Kanawa

More, Been, Ever, Confident

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