Lack of opera ‘a disgrace’

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33417, 26 December 1973, Page 4

Lack of opera ‘a disgrace’

The lack of national opera in this country is “a disgrace,” according, I to a former chairman of the New Zealand Opera Company (Mr F. Turnovsky). He was speaking recently. at the launching of a newj ■book, “Ring Down the Cur- ■ tain" by Phyllis Brusey, who, after 13 years as director of, the company, succeeded Mt Turnovsky as chairman. In 1954-71 the company ■staged more than 50 operas. Mrs Brusey criticised the Queen Elizabeth II Arts [Council for declining to allocate funds for national opera. She said the council[ .seemed to look only at the ■cost, and did not appreciate; i or acknowledge grand opera i as an outstanding form of

public cultural entertain-[ ment. In one year more people attended opera than went to N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra concerts, she said. Opera productions were also attended by many' schoolchildren, and they served as a stepping stone for many I great New Zealand singers [overseas. The council had had no .change of heart since 1971, as was evident from its refusal to make funds available to the Auckland Opera Trust. “On the other hand, the council is considering supporting a small Auckland group planning to do chamber opera. This would be i financially disastrous, and would not satisfy the operagoing public. “The suggestion we go [ back to regional opera and piano tours is a step back- [ i wards,” Mrs Brusey said, j