ORCHESTRA FOR OPERA

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30977, 5 February 1966, Page 22

ORCHESTRA FOR OPERA

Statement By Directors

"The Press" Special Service

WELLINGTON, Feb. 4.

“Having brought the issue of orchestral services for opera into the open, the New Zealand Opera Company feels that no useful purpose would be served by pursuing the matter further in public at this stage,” say the directors of the company. “It is important, however, that the company should reply to a suggestion by the chairman of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council that the company had ignored an agreement ostensibly reached at the meeting of December 23. “The company,” they say, “has the clear understanding that at least one other party present at the meeting concurs that no such implied agreement was reached. The council will find on its files a document originating from an independent participating body which bears out this company’s understanding of the meeting in question. The reasons why the basis for an agreement was lacking were already previously given. “Perhaps this controversy will lead ultimately to a better understanding of the problems by all concerned. We are convinced that a solution can still be found and that we will not be found wanting in co-operation and goodwill, if the issues reach the conference table and are debated in a constructive spirit.”