Legendary New Zealand Opera Star Donald McIntyre Dies at 91

The performing arts community is in mourning following the passing of legendary New Zealand opera star Donald McIntyre, who died on Thursday at the age of 91. McIntyre, born in Auckland in 1934, was one of the country's most beloved and acclaimed operatic performers, wowing audiences across the world for over six decades.

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. His career continued to soar, with a standout performance in the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's 'Martin's Lie' at the Bath International Music Festival in 1964 cementing him as one of opera's most thrilling young talents.

McIntyre's crowning achievement came in 1976 when he took on the role of Wotan, the king of the gods, in Bayreuth's centenary production of Wagner's Ring Cycle. His towering performance in the bold staging cemented his reputation as the era's pre-eminent Wagner bass-baritone, and he went on to command stages at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses.