Country

:

New Zealand

Genre

:

Opera

 

Inia Te Wiata was a renowned classical music artist from New Zealand who made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on 14 December 1915 in Otaki, a small town on the North Island of New Zealand. His parents were of Maori descent, and he was the youngest of their six children. Te Wiata's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he began singing in his local church choir. He later joined the Wellington Cathedral Choir, where he received formal training in music. In 1937, he won a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he trained under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach, Roy Henderson. Te Wiata's career as a classical music artist began in the 1940s when he started performing in operas and concerts in London. He made his debut at the Royal Opera House in 1946, playing the role of the King in Verdi's Aida. He went on to perform in several other operas, including The Magic Flute, Carmen, and La Boheme. In 1950, Te Wiata returned to New Zealand and became a prominent figure in the country's music scene. He performed in several concerts and operas, including the New Zealand premiere of Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes. He also appeared in several films, including The Seekers, The Te Kooti Trail, and The Lord of the Rings. One of Te Wiata's most significant achievements was his role in the creation of the New Zealand Opera Company. He was one of the founding members of the company and played a crucial role in its development. He also served as the company's artistic director from 1963 to 1965. Te Wiata's talent and contribution to the world of music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1955, he was awarded the King's Medal for Services in the Cause of Music. He was also made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1964 for his services to music. Te Wiata's career as a classical music artist spanned several decades, and he continued to perform and record music until his death in 1971. He was a pioneer in the world of classical music and played a significant role in promoting the genre in New Zealand. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world.

More....