Te Kanawa: Criticism of Dundalk singer Erraught is cruel

Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa has spoken out in support of Dundalk singer Tara Erraught after a series of reviews criticised her appearance.

The 26-year-old was called “stocky” and “dumpy” by reviewers after performing as Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier — a male role traditionally played by a female — at Glyndebourne Opera Festival.

Ms Te Kanawa, who recently made a guest appearance in British costume drama Downton Abbey, said Ms Erraught was “absolutely gorgeous” but had had a “costume disaster”.