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Tim Finn’s Star Navigator among WA Opera cancellations

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Simon CollinsThe West Australian
Tim Finn’s Star Navigator is among WA Opera productions cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Camera IconTim Finn’s Star Navigator is among WA Opera productions cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The coronavirus outbreak has claimed another series of events with the West Australian Opera pulling the pin on several major productions.

On Monday, WA Opera cancelled the world premiere of Star Navigator due to take place at the Perth Concert Hall on March 28 in line with the Australian Government’s directive that non-essential gatherings of 500 people or more should not go ahead.

Featuring songs by Split Enz and Crowded House legend Tim Finn, the new production revolves around the relationship of English explorer James Cook and Tahitian star navigator Tupaia.

Opera at the Pinnacles and Opera in Geraldton, both due to take place next month, have also been canned along with WA Opera’s school and community workshops.

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The Wesfarmers Arts Singing Classes are also off.

WA Opera executive director Carolyn Chard said that the health, safety and wellbeing of patrons and employee comes first.

“These are extremely difficult times as we cancel performances but we urgently need to do what we can to flatten the curve,” she said on Monday.

“But please remember how much we will need you, our stakeholders and audiences, our funders, our donors, sponsors and partners when our theatres reopen.

“We need you to see our shows,” Ms Chard added.

“Go to the opera. Go to the theatre. Go to our concert halls.

“Support your arts community when we all recover from this.

“The arts need you,” she said, “and you need the arts.”

Meanwhile WA Youth Jazz Orchestra have cancelled their first two concerts of the year, Swinging at the Embassy Ballroom and Jazz for Juniors shows.

The company said that while audience for Jazz for Juniors is tracking under the 500-person limit per Government directives, they did not want to expose their youngest audience and their carers to any risk.

WAYJO said that Swinging at the Embassy Ballroom sales have suffered from “a definite change in audience behaviour” and holding the concert is no longer financially viable.

The Blue Room Theatre have also pulled their 2020 season launch, which was schedule for April 3 at their Northbridge venue.

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