Donald McIntyre, 2006 Photo: Supplied NZSO
Sir Donald McIntyre was a tough teacher, but that's the way Simon O'Neill liked it.
O Neill sought out Sir Donald when he moved to the UK to further his opera career in the early years of the 21st century.
This week O Neill joined RNZ Concert to remember the great New Zealand singer who died in Munich earlier this month aged 91.
Sir Donald initially trained as a teacher, but his beautiful bass baritone voice eventually lead to a glittering international career - regarded as one of the leading Wagnerian singers of his day.
O'Neill, who has also established himself as one of the world's best helden tenors, shared some of his memories of Sir Donald with RNZ Concert's Bryan Crump.
Sir Donald would think nothing of storming into O'Neill's dressing room if he thought the younger singer was not doing his best.
O'Neill says he treasured that honest feedback - he wanted to learn how to sing better, not have his ego stroked.
But while Sir Donald didn't shy away from frank feedback, he was also generous with his time and affection.
O Neill says he would not have enjoyed the international career he has, without the support and mentoring of Sir Donald.
Simon O'Neill Photo: Albert Comper Photography
