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COVID-19 SUSPENDED PERFORMANCES – UPDATE

See original statement here.
See Statement from 19/03/2020 here.

State Opera wishes to confirm that in line with Government directives in relation to COVID-19, the following performances are suspended: Carmina Burana at Memorial Drive on Friday 27 March and the May season of The Barber of Seville at Festival Theatre, Teddy Tahu Rhodes in recital and the special presentation of French Baroque all-stars Les Arts Florissants are not able to go ahead as planned. In addition to public performances, State Opera has also suspended its Sing Your Own Opera workshops in June.

In addition to the revised directives regarding crowds, the immediate closure of Adelaide Town Hall and cancellation of all international touring by the ensemble prevent these two much-anticipated events being presented in Adelaide.

Artistic Director Stuart Maunder said “presenting exceptional opera to South Australians is our passion and purpose. We are obviously disappointed to be unable to share with you what we know are remarkable performances of much-loved works, but we trust that you will join us as soon as we are back in showbusiness.”

State Opera was due to present Carl Orff’s epic Carmina Burana in concert on Friday 27 March as an annual outdoor spectacular. It was to be the first cultural event under the new roof at Memorial Drive and feature over 250 singers, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and internationally renowned soloists, under the baton of Benjamin Northey.

This was to be followed by Lindy Hume’s production of The Barber of Seville from 7-16 May which would have seen an all-star cast take to the Festival Theatre stage in Rossini’s classic comedy. Rehearsals for this production were due to commence in mid-April.

Much-loved opera star Teddy Tahu Rhodes is unable to perform in Adelaide due to venue closure. He was to perform an exclusive recital at Adelaide Town Hall with Guy Noble on 5 April in a program celebrating Peter Dawson – the Adelaide-born superstar of the 20th century.

Cancellation of international touring for the world’s pre-eminent Baroque ensemble Les Arts Florissant means that Adelaide audience will have to wait a little longer to hear these legends in concert at Festival Theatre.

Yarmila Alfonzetti, Executive Director of State Opera said “State Opera recognises that these are extraordinary times and that community wellbeing is paramount. As a flagship arts organisation, we do not take the decision to cancel a performance lightly. Stuart and I are committed to supporting the talented singers, artists and creatives who reside at the core of this company, and I assure you that these wonderful people will be on our stages and in our productions as soon as possible. We know we can count on our audiences, partners and broader community to support each other at this time.”

In accordance with the rights of ticket holders under the Live Performance Award, all patrons of Carmina Burana, The Barber of Seville, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Les Arts Florissants  and Sing Your Own Opera are eligible for a full refund via ticketing partner BASS. All refunds will be automatic and issued within 14 working days of event cancellation.  Enquiries should be directed to [email protected] or 131 246

SUPENDED PERFORMANCES – as of Monday 16 March 2020
Carmina Burana – 27 March 2020, Memorial Drive
The Barber of Seville – 7-16 May 2020, Festival Theatre
Lest Arts Florissant – 15 May 2020, Festival Theatre
Teddy Tahu Rhodes – 5 April 2020, Adelaide Town Hall
Sing Your Own Opera – 18-20 June 2020, State Opera Studio

All other seasons are presently scheduled to go ahead pending further advice from authorities.

All requests for comment please direct to
Gabrielle Leonello
Littelion PR
0425 554 454