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Story: Arts education and training

Malvina Major and Sister Mary Leo

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Sister Mary Leo, a member of the Sisters of Mercy, taught many of New Zealand's best-known singers, including Malvina Major, shown here discussing her training. Kiri Te Kanawa, another of Sister Mary Leo's pupils, can be seen sitting in the background. Major talks about Sister Mary Leo's strictness and other qualities.

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How to cite this page

Megan Cook and Caren Wilton, Arts education and training – Musicians and singers, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/45155/malvina-major-and-sister-mary-leo (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Megan Cook and Caren Wilton, published 6 May 2014.