AllMovie

This documentary tells the life story of the wonderful Australian opera diva Kiri Te Kanawa. Interviews with her colleagues, along with excerpts from her performances of this unaffected and charming woman, make for an enjoyable viewing experience. Kiri Te Kanaw was born in New Zealand of mixed Caucasian and Maori origin. She was adopted by people of the same ethnic mix, who saw early on the little girl's gift for voice. Studying first in Auckland and then London, she has continued to live in London, while maintaining her New Zealand citizenship. She became an overnight sensation when she filled in, on three hours notice, for the role of Desdemona in Othello, at the New York Metropolitan Opera. She gained worldwide prominence when she sang at the wedding of Diana to Prince Charles in 1981. Included here are some of her stellar performances as Desdemona, Arabella, the Marschalin in Der Rosenkavlier, and the countess in the Marriage of Figaro.