Tributes Flow for NZ Opera Star After Grammy Win

The performing arts community is in mourning after legendary New Zealand opera star Donald McIntyre died on Thursday, aged 91.

McIntyre, who was born in Auckland in 1934, was one of the country’s most beloved and acclaimed operatic performers, and wowed audiences across the world for over six decades.

His death was confirmed on social media on Friday by industry publication Opera.

‘Very sad news of the death of New Zealand’s great Wagnerian bass-baritone Donald McIntyre, yesterday in Munich at the age of 91,’ they wrote. 

After honing his craft at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, McIntyre launched his professional operatic career in 1959 as part of the Welsh National Opera’s production of Verdi’s Nabucco.

Just five years later, McIntyre was hand-picked to star in the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti’s ‘Martin’s Lie’ at the Bath International Music Festival.

The performing arts community is in mourning after legendary New Zealand opera star Donald McIntyre died on Thursday, aged 91

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.

He would sing there for more than two decades, becoming a fixture of the fabled stage and winning critical acclaim for his thunderous presence and extraordinary stamina. 

His career-defining moment came in 1976 when he took on the role that would make him a legend: Wotan, king of the gods, in Bayreuth’s centenary production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. 

The bold staging became one of the most talked-about operatic events of the century – and McIntyre’s towering performance cemented his reputation as the era’s pre-eminent Wagner bass-baritone.

His career also saw him command stages at Covent Garden, Teatro alla Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera.

His interpretations of Wagner’s great roles drew standing ovations across the world.

In 1982, McIntyre earned a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for his portrayal of Wotan/Wanderer in Der Ring des Nibelungen, a rare mainstream recognition for a classical artist and a testament to the sheer power of his voice.

McIntyre, who was born in Auckland in 1934, was one of the country’s most beloved and acclaimed operatic performers

After honing his craft at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, McIntyre launched his professional operatic career in 1959

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.

Many honours followed and McIntyre was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1977 New Year Honours, later promoted to Commander, and in 1992 was knighted for his long services to opera.

He leaves behind a legacy defined by artistry, endurance and an unmistakable voice that captivated some of the world’s greatest stages.