The newly-formed Southern Opera has cancelled its inaugural Dunedin performance because of poor ticket sales.
Time Pieces was scheduled for the Regent Theatre on Saturday, March 29, as part of the Christchurch-based company's first southern tour.
‘‘However, low ticket sales jeopardised its viability and a decision was reluctantly made to cancel,'' said Southern Opera chief executive Christopher Doig.
‘‘We are very disappointed. We were attempting to bring a professional production to Dunedin, following through on our strong desire to make opera accessible to a wider New Zealand audience. We believe that is the responsibility of any opera company,'' he said.
‘‘But, without the city providing the necessary support, it has proven impossible on this occasion.
It is an absolute shame. Dunedin is missing out on hearing top class soloists Helen Medlyn, Richard Greager, Jared Holt, Derek Hill and Richard Green. It's a huge disappointment for them and for us.''
The first half of Time Pieces is composed of the Ravel opera The Spanish Hour, with the second half, Ticked Off, revealing the dramas taking place backstage.
The Southern Opera tour starts in Nelson on March 26.
It will now bypass Dunedin and travel straight to Invercargill for a performance on March 31 and then Queenstown for a concert on Thursday, April 3. People with tickets for the Dunedin performance should contact the booking office.
