Kiri Te Kanawa Quotes

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

I never had the influence of any other singer in my music, so I sounded like myself all the time.

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.

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.