Adopted as an infant in New Zealand to a modest household, the young Kiri Te Kanawa enjoyed a slow, steady rise to opera prominence. First winning her country’s prestigious Mobil Song Quest at age 21, she studied in London and made her stage debut as the Countess in Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. She was a smash. She married. She toured. She grew experienced at accepting bouquets and depositing paychecks. In 1981, she sang at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, and the next year, the soprano was named Dame Commander by Queen Elizabeth. However, just when it looked as if her fairy-tale story would carry her through life, her husband was found cheating and her financial manager discovered making off with hundreds of thousands of dollars. Such betrayals have only strengthened her diva resolve in recital, if recent reviews are any indicator. See Kiri Te Kanawa, the legend, in person on Saturday, March 20, at the Marin Center. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $25–$95. 415.499.6800.Gabe Meline
.Mar. 20: Kiri Te Kanawa at Marin Center
