Bravo! A Tribute to the New Zealand Opera Company 1954 - 1971. Programme 2 of 3: A Golden Era.
Presented by music historian Adrienne Simpson.
Opens with an archival recording of composer David Farquhar who is interviewed on opening night 1962 of his opera, "A Uniform for Christmas" written especially for the NZOC, with the libretto by Dame Ngaio Marsh.
Dorothy Hitch and Lynne Cantlon recall difficulties they encountered with this opera and wondered if they could ever learn it. The company was asked to revive the opera for the 1963 royal visit in Auckland. This was to have far-reaching consequences for arts funding in New Zealand. Ulric Williams recalls meeting the Queen and Prime Minister Keith Holyoake. At the end of the show Mr Holyoake announced the formation of the Queen Elizabeth II''s Arts Council. This opera confirmed the status of one of the country's most significant theatrical organisations.
Strong links were forged across the Tasman. Corinne Bridge (mezzo soprano) recalls Donald Munro and her training, and came home to New Zealand to work with the company. A 1964 Government report on arts in New Zealand noted the company was no longer dependent on overseas management. Talented New Zealanders could now earn a living at home.
John Malcolm and Elizabeth Hellawell recall how wonderful it was to be able to work in their own country. Rural performances in country halls, accompanied only by piano were always packed. Men who had served in Italy during World War II had experienced opera and were keen for their families to see it too. The idea of touring was paramount and this was realised with the cooperation of the Community Arts Services (CAS). Raymond Boyce recalls 1957 and 1959 tours and designing sets which could travel easily. Citizens of Te Puke were some of their greatest supporters and were rewarded with an orchestral performance in 1959, which John Hopkins recalls. Graeme Gorton recalls 107 performances he performed in, in one nationwide tour in 1960. Artists were billeted and a lot of socialising was expected.
In July 1964 the New Zealand Opera Company celebrated its 10th anniversary. It had produced 19 different operas; 432 different
performances with orchestra and well over 1000 with piano and in all had performed for over half a million people.
"Rigoletto" was the first new production for 1964. Corinne Bridge recalls her part in "La Cenerentola" by Rossini. It was the largest theatrical enterprise in New Zealand.
Maurice Leech talks about the operas from an audience perspective. Donald Munro talks about this period and how they were at the peak of performing and selling out operas. Ulric Williams recalls the
preparation of "Porgy and Bess" with Inia Te Wiata and American director Ella Gerber, who worked the cast relentlessly to get a first-class performance from them. "Porgy and Bess" was a huge risk but sold-out and encouraged people to attend opera for the very first time. However, much of the profits went on a prestigious but unprofitable tour of Australia the following year.
Angela Shaw recalls her part in "Die Fledermaus" and feuding between visiting overseas singers.
Adrienne Simpson notes that sadly several of the company's 1960's performances have been lost.
Raymond Boyce talks about the family feeling in the company until its demise in 1971.