Internationally celebrated soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa started her first ever Tasmanian tour with a sold-out performance in Launceston last night.
Tomorrow she will sing at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre before heading to Hobart to complete her tour with a performance at the Theatre Royal. This concert on Thursday is also a sell-out.
Dame Kiri was invited to visit Tasmania as part of the Ten Days on the Island arts festival.
She arrived in Launceston late on Saturday, and gave a print media only conference yesterday at the Princess Theatre during a soundcheck rehearsal.
Dame Kiri said in a written statement that it was her first visit to Tasmania, but as she would be travelling to its three corners, she was looking forward to enjoying the scenery that the state was famed for.
''It is always a pleasure to meet new audiences and share music with them,'' Dame Kiri said.
''I feel these intimate concert performances are perfect for Tasmania, where people are renowned for their warmth and friendliness.
''The songs I have selected are all personal favourites, and I feel sure it will be a very enjoyable musical experience.''
Ten Days artistic director Jo Duffy said a few seats were still available for the performance in Burnie, but she urged patrons to be quick.
''Tasmanians clearly recognise that seeing Dame Kiri perform live is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and ticket sales to all three concerts have been extremely strong,'' Ms Duffy said.
According to a recent review, ''her voice is as remarkable as ever''.
Accompanied by her pianist, Terence Dennis, Dame Kiri's program last night offered classic and contemporary highlights from her famed repertoire.
Ten Days on the Island runs until Sunday, March 24, for bookings and information go to www.tendaysontheisland.com
