The Father of New Zealand Opera

Thursday 26 January 2012

The Royal College of Music is sad to learn of the death of RCM alumni Donald Munro, the “Father of New Zealand Opera”.

Donald studied at the RCM during the Second World War, winning the Tagore Medal during his time here. After a successful career in Europe as a baritone, Donald returned to New Zealand where he established the country’s first opera company. The New Zealand Opera Company gave the young Dame Kiri Te Kanawa her first professional engagement.

Donald received an MBE and was named a New Zealand Arts Icon for his services to opera in the country. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.