NEXT OPERA TO BE “DIE FLEDERMAUS”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31093, 23 June 1966, Page 2

NEXT OPERA TO BE “DIE FLEDERMAUS”

The New Zealand Opera Company would present the Johann Strauss operetta, “Die Fledermaus,” in Christchurch in August, Mr J. Thompson, the company’s administrative officer, said in Christchurch yesterday.

Robert Feist, an American living on the Continent, had been signed on as producer, negotiations were taking place to secure two Sadler’s

Wells singers for the leads, and a ballet corps and orchestra was being assembled. The season will begin In Christchurch on August 20 after a fortnight rehearsal, continuing in Dunedin, Wellington, Palmerston North, Hastings and ending in Auckland on October 29. Mr Thompson was speaking at a reception organised by the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Opera Society.

“The company’s purpose is to bring opera to the widest possible section of the coun-

try,” he said. “Any disputes or controversies have arisen because the directors are unwilling to jeopardise the standard of work.

“After six years of hard grind we have formed a working company. There is no selfsatisfaction in this—we have established something the future generation can build on.” While there were many problems—which it could be said were of the company’s making—Ahis was no reason to stop presenting opera. “Slowly and surely we must work at these problems to ensure that opera and music in the broadest sense is established in New Zealand,” Mr Thompson said. The last year had been spent in innumerable committee meetings. The production of “Albert Herring” for the Auckland festival was also staged in Wellington and had proved a tremendous artistic success.

Cecilia Keating, of Wellington, was guest artist, and played three violin solos, accompanied by Mrs M. Carter. Miss Patricia Free, of Christchurch, who has been awarded a scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music, played two pianoforte items.

Wives of the Prague Quartet of the University of Canterbury were also guests. The artists had an appreciative audience and the items were warmly received.