Southern Opera

13/10/2011

13/10/2011

The Board, staff and singers of Southern Opera are deeply saddened by the loss of its founder Christopher Doig, who lost his battle with cancer earlier today.

A passionate Cantabrian, Chris was always determined that Canterbury and the South Island should have professional opera and was instrumental in the foundation of Canterbury Opera in 1984 and to the formation of Southern Opera in 2007.

His enthusiasm, energy and leadership in both the arts and sport were legendary and he worked tirelessly and with great passion to make what has become an outstanding contribution to New Zealand.

Last week’s hugely successful concert in Christchurch by Plàcido Domingo, was the brain child of Doig and raised over $300,000 for quake affected Court Theatre and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

The Christopher Doig Foundation was launched last week and has been established to nurture and develop the leadership potential of outstanding young people and like Chris’s own life will encompass the worlds of academic, community, sporting and artistic.

“Chris was our champion, our mighty Totara. Christchurch seems smaller without him” commented Therese Arseneau, Chair of Arts Management Limited, the board responsible for the administration of both Southern Opera and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

“We all admired him, respected him and loved him. On behalf of Southern Opera and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and love to Chris’s wife Suzanne and the family.”

17/08/2011

Public sales from9am Friday at Ticketek.

World-renowned opera singer Placido Domingo will perform in Christchurch to help rebuild the city's earthquake-ravaged arts community.

24/02/2011

Thank you to all for your messages of concern and support. The Southern Opera offices are currently not operational, however, at this stage all staff and, to our knowledge, our chorus members are safe.

Our thoughts are with all our colleagues and fellow Cantabrians - best wishes to you and your loved ones during this challenging time.

30/01/2011

Dame Kiri in Concert is now SOLD OUT due to popular demand. Thank you to all who have booked to see this very special event.

21/11/2010

A huge thank you to the Solid Energy Chorus of Southern Opera for a stunning concert and for a second delightful performance at The George last night. Well done to all.

10/09/2010

During the challenging time we have all experienced in Christchurch in the past week, the difficult decision has been reached to re-schedule 'Tosca' to mid next year. We havemanaged to secure most of our cast including Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Suzanne Prain for the season of 'Tosca' in July 2011. We look forward to confirming the dates for this season in the near future.

01/07/2010

31/05/2010

Congratulations to all the cast, chorus, orchestra, crew and band for a wonderful performance on Saturday.

29/11/2009