Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is a New Zealand soprano who is considered one of the best of all time. She’s particularly famous for her performance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. She’s well known for her talent but perhaps more importantly is known for her work with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. She was also the first Rolex Testimonee in the arts. She has been a Testimonee since 1976.
Te Kanawa made her operatic debut at the Royal Opera House in 1971. Her career lasted for many years, and she was a favorite of the British royal family. This, of course, led to her famous performance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Te Kanawa sang Handel's “Let the Bright Seraphim” at the wedding in 1981. Her performance was seen by six hundred million people on television. Although she officially retired from opera in 2004, she continued to perform concerts and recitals.
Te Kanawa established the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation to provide support and financial aid to struggling New Zealand singers and musicians. Her contributions to opera and the next generation of singers are profound. Te Kanawa was the first artist to be named a Rolex Testimonee, setting a precedent for the company's support of the arts. She is one of Rolex's longest-standing Testimonees.
Rolex has gifted Te Kanawa many watches, including a Cellini evening-style watch and a Daytona watch. Te Kanawa gifted Rolex, too, I think. Her partnership got Rolex involved in the arts in new ways, and since then Rolex has partnered with many other artists and institutions, including conductors, instrumentalists, and popular music artists. Rolex has stated goals to support the arts to help preserve artistic heritage and contribute to global culture.
I love learning about the fascinating Rolex Testimonees, and I enjoy sharing information about them with you. If you’re looking for a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego, I hope you’ll take a moment to give me a call. If I don’t have what you’re looking for, I’m sure I can find it you.
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