London, August 12 : Renowned soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has decided to quit opera, saying the discipline is “exhausting”.

The veteran singer said her last opera performance would be at the Cologne Opera in Germany next year.

“It will be my last. It’s not as if I want to do it on a regular basis now, because it’s exhausting,” The Telegraph quoted her as saying.

“I think certainly our voices change; opera is mainly for young people,” the 65-year-old added.

Dame Kiri’s 40-year career highlights include her stunning performance at the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer when she was heard by 600 million people. (ANI)