Dame Kiri new patron of UK opera competition

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Photo / NZ Herald

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has been named patron of UK opera competition, the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, following the death of Dame Joan Sutherland last year.

The acclaimed soprano will also serve on the jury for this year's competition, in June. Set up in 1983, the event has launched numerous operatic careers, with one of its most famous winners Bryn Terfel.

Dame Kiri, who created a foundation in New Zealand to foster young singers and musicians, has been based overseas since 1965.

- NZPA