Dame Kiri Te Kanawa honoured by Royal College of Music

The Prince of Wales presented legendary Kiwi soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa with an honorary doctorate at a ceremony at the Royal College of Music.

“It’s a great honour to be given such a title but I didn’t earn it,” the modest Kiwi told reporters on Thursday (Friday morning NZ time).

“It takes many young people many years of study to earn something like this but I’ve accepted it and it’s incredibly special.”

Speaking to Classic FM, Dame Kiri said she thought it was harder for young singers to break through to the top ranks:

“There are a lot of underlying problems, but I think extremely good ones can make it. I’d like to hope singers today can have the longevity I’ve had – I’m 71 now, so it’s gone on for a long time.”

Alongside the New Zealand singer, iconic conductor and composer Vladimir Ashkenazy and actor Edward Fox were made honorary members of the Royal College of music.

The New Zealand soprano is mostly known for her performance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, which earned her the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1982.

Article Source: Classic FM, Elizabeth Davis, March 12, 2015.

Image Source: Limelightmagazine.com.au