The world of performing arts is saddened by the passing of celebrated New Zealand opera singer Donald McIntyre, who died on Thursday at the age of 91.
Born in Auckland in 1934, Kiri Te Kanawa was a hugely popular and highly respected opera singer who delighted audiences worldwide for more than sixty years.
His death was confirmed on social media on Friday by industry publication Opera.
New Zealand has lost a musical icon. The celebrated Wagnerian bass-baritone, Donald McIntyre, passed away yesterday in Munich at the age of 91.
After studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, McIntyre began his opera career in 1959 with the Welsh National Opera’s performance of Verdi’s Nabucco.
Only five years after that, McIntyre was personally chosen to perform in the very first showing of Gian Carlo Menotti’s ‘Martin’s Lie’ at the Bath International Music Festival.
It was a performance that cemented McIntyre as one of opera’s most thrilling young talents.
McIntyre’s ascent continued when he later arrived at Germany’s Bayreuth Festival in 1967.
For over twenty years, he performed on that famous stage, becoming a beloved and highly praised performer known for his powerful voice and incredible energy.
He became a legend in 1976 when he played Wotan, the king of the gods, in a special performance of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at Bayreuth, marking the festival’s 100th anniversary.
The production’s striking visual style quickly became a legendary operatic moment, and John McIntyre’s powerful performance firmly established him as the leading Wagnerian bass-baritone of his time.
He performed at some of the world’s most famous opera houses, including Covent Garden, Teatro alla Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera.
His interpretations of Wagner’s great roles drew standing ovations across the world.
In 1982, James McIntyre won a Grammy for Best Opera Recording thanks to his performance as Wotan/Wanderer in Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. This was a significant achievement for a classical singer, highlighting the incredible strength and impact of his voice.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to McIntyre.
‘The guy had a cannon for a voice,’ one person wrote.
‘An amazing artist who gave so much. RIP Sir Donald,’ a second added.
McIntyre received numerous awards throughout his career. He was first appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1977, later receiving a promotion to Commander. In 1992, he was knighted in recognition of his dedicated service to the world of opera.
Oh my gosh, it’s just… he’s left behind so much incredible music, and he just kept going, you know? And that voice! Seriously, it was like nothing else, filling up the biggest concert halls and just… completely mesmerizing everyone. It’s going to be missed so, so much. It really was a unique gift.
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2025-11-16 02:52