Dame Malvina is an internationally recognized operatic soprano, who resides in Taranaki, New Zealand. Her foundation, The Dame Malvina Major Foundation, was established in 1991 to offer support to emerging New Zealanders in the performing arts.
In the 1985 Queen's Birthday Honours, she was made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE), for her services to opera. In 1991, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), for services to opera, charity, and the community. She was subsequently made a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to opera, in the 2008 New Year Honours.
Following the restoration of titular honours by the New Zealand government, she accepted redesignation as a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009.
The grand dame went on to share 11 interesting and exciting things about herself.
Dame Malvina's Favorite Movies
She listed Walk the Line with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, as well as Pretty Woman as some of her favorite films.
Favorite Series to Binge-watch
Her favorite series to binge are “murder mysteries.” “I just love them,” she admitted. “I think I’ve watched all of them. It’s crazy,” she said with a sweet laugh.
A Motto She Lives By
Her favorite motto to live by is: “Be nice.” “Be kind… It is all about kindness and being gentle,” she said.
Does She Have a Favorite Sport?
On her favorite sports, she remarked, “We watch rugby. I can’t say that it’s my favorite but it’s exciting to watch. I have grandsons that play rugby now. Touch rugby is good. I also love swimming and diving. I played golf and tennis. I used to run when I was younger; I was a sprinter. I watched all the games at the Olympics.”
Dame Malvina Major's Favorite Cheat Meal
Her favorite cheat meal is “fish and chips.”
Favorite Hobbies
On her favorite hobbies, she revealed, “I do a lot of knitting, painting, and golf.”
If Dame Malvina Major Was Not in Entertainment...
If she weren't in entertainment, she would be a “Sportsperson.”
“If I weren’t in the entertainment field, I would have continued in sports, because I was pretty good in running and sports,” she explained. “I also enjoyed Human Biology, and I could have possibly done Chemistry so I could have been a chemist.”
What She Says is the Best Thing about Being Her Age
On the best thing about being her age, she revealed, “Looking back, I guess, and knowing that you’ve done okay.”
Favorite Music
She shared that she enjoys listening to “all music” with the exception of heavy metal. “I enjoy music, and I enjoy dancing. I love dance music, it’s great,” she said.
The Best Advice She Has Ever Been Given
On the best advice she has ever been given, she responded, “Think before you speak.”
“Don’t even think about putting it in writing; think about it,” she suggested. “Speak when you are ready; don’t rush into it.”
Dream Duet Choices
While Dame Malvina was already blessed to sing with Pavarotti, she listed the late Dame Joan Sutherland, Australian soprano, and Sir Tom Jones as her dream duet choices. “A duet with Tom Jones would be fun,” she admitted.
Photo Courtesy of Dame Malvina Major