Chairman Of Opera Company Resigns

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 10

Chairman Of Opera Company Resigns

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 25. The chairman of directors of the New Zealand Opera Company, Mr F. Turnovsky, announced his resignation today in protest against the financial restrictions placed on the company.

Mr Turnovsky announced his resignation as the cast assembled for the first rehearsals of “Die Fledermaus.”

Mr Turnovsky became chairman in 1959 and built the company into the strongest stage company in New Zealand. Asked later his reasons for retiring he said: “I can see little prospect of the company’s spectacular progress being maintained in future as

long as the present attitudes of those controlling the country’s artistic purse strings persist. “Unequal Struggle” “I can no longer find the time or energy to continue the unequal struggle in order to preserve the Opera Company’s basic needs and artistic integrity.” He said he was leaving the company in a sound financial position and he was sure the coming production would be a great success. Mr Turnovsky will remain on the Opera Company board and his place as chairman will be taken by Mr J. L. Hartstonge. Speaking at today’s cast gathering Mr Hartstonge said Mr Turnovsky’s retirement was a great loss.