Opera Change

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31678, 14 May 1968, Page 9

Opera Change

Mr J. L. Hartstonge, who recently resigned as chairman of the New Zealand Opera Company, made his decision because he felt that his professional responsibilities had become incompatible with his duties as chairman of the opera company. Mr Hartstonge is deputy controller of news and current affairs for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation. His place as chairman will be taken by Mr F. Turnovsky, of Wellington, a former chairman under whom Mr Hartstonge served as deputy chairman about six years, until be became chairman two years ago. As chairman, Mr Hartstonge has urged a change in the method of financing New Zealand opera. The present system of grants, made from the Golden Kiwi Lottery funds, is unsatisfactory, be says, and makes long-term planning difficult This year the council’s grant will be about $32,000, about half last year's figure. “The funds we have to work with cannot be known more than a year ahead,” he says. “But we often have to make arrangements for our productions up to two years

ahead, especially when negotiations for overseai singers are involved.

“Manifestly, the present system of annual grants is quite inadequate, and a much more suitable method is required which will permit longer-term planning than is possible now.

“The overwhelming success of the recent ‘Madam Butterfly’ production proves that the demand for grand opera in this country continues unabated, despite the economic conditions which have persisted over the last 18 months.”

Mr Hartstonge advocates a funding system by which the finance available for opera will not fluctuate from year to year. But although he has met sympathy in official quarters, no change has been made.

Meanwhile, the company has no productions on tour or in preparation.