Our Speaker last Thursday was Philippa Harris, the General Manager of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. Philippa has been in that role for many years and this year has been the most challenging for her and the performing arts sector world wide. Many of the world's largest opera companies are unable to perform and with the inability to perform, income becomes almost zero while there are still many costs to bear. Indeed, she sees many performing arts companies facing bankruptcy due to the performance limitations created by Covid-19.
For the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, the 2020 programme development started mid 2019 with discussions with Conductors and soloists, most of whom are based overseas. The programme needs finalised and printed (early 2020), venues booked and ticket sales got underway. It takes 3 months to prepare for a concert.
Then Covid struck. Audience sizes were limited (or concerts not permitted at all) and international Conductors and soloists were unable to travel to New Zealand. Ticket refunds were required for the cancelled concerts although many subscribers allowed part or all of their payments to be converted to donations. The Orchestra has only been able to perform one of its scheduled concerts and last week performed to an audience of 400, carefully segregated into 4 groups in the Town Hall so that the gathering size conformed with Covid Level 2 requirements.
The orchestra also performed a concert from their premises at Hanover Hall. This was seen by over 1000 viewers from all over the world via YouTube. It was a free concert, but the downside is that many now expect concerts to be streamed live without paying for a ticket!
There has been a slight silver lining in that some international performers are based in New Zealand or have returned here to escape Covid-19. The absence of opportunity to perform overseas means that they are available for performances here once restrictions on attendance at indoor venues is lifted.
Another challenge has been that funders have required return of their donation and Creative NZ are requiring that the players be paid but will not give support until the orchestra has used up its cash reserves.
Phillipa's address was followed by an excellent question session.
An excellent presentation and one thoroughly enjoyed by attending members.
Beautiful spring weather last Sunday tempted Rick Wellington and his family (Sarah, Lucia and Grace) to go for a bike ride on the West Harbour trail, and try out the latest addition - Rotarys "Bike Repair Station"
