Three members of the national company’s governing body (reportedly the three with the most experience with and connections within the industry) stepped down in May. One of them has since spoken up to refute speculation about specific reasons for their departure, but his explanation is less than entirely clear: “What I saw was a huge upswelling of discontent and confusion about the artistic direction of the company. … This is not about editing opera … this is what we saw as a lack of thought and lack of responsibility toward those who love opera,” meaning the traditional opera audience. The only specific complaint he mentioned was about the company not offering enough work to New Zealand singers returning from overseas. – Radio New Zealand
