Dunedin Opera Company chairman Murray Davidson (left), deputy chairwoman Mary Dixon and Prof John Drummond, of the University of Otago department of music, look over the company's new four-year production programme, announced this week.
The world premiere of an opera by Associate Prof Anthony Ritchie is expected to be the highlight this year.
Speaking at a function in Dunedin this week to mark the launch of the four-year programme, Mr Davidson said the opera, This Other Eden, would be staged in October, as part of Arts Festival Dunedin.
The opera is set in early 19th-century New Zealand and tells the story of missionary Thomas Kendall and his friendship with Nga Puhi chief Hongi Hika.
The librettist would be Michelanne Forster, of Christchurch, and the musical director, Tecwyn Evans, a conductor, composer and Otago University music graduate.
Mr Davidson said the opera company, also known as Opera Otago, would celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.
