About Us

Who are we?

Southern Opera was founded in early 2007, just months after its predecessor, Canterbury Opera went into liquidation following a 20-year history. With Canterbury audiences used to twice-yearly seasons of opera, it was inevitable that Southern Opera had to be born.

The need to provide our opera audience with regular access and enjoyment of the art and the desire to provide work for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, South Island singers, local arts practitioners including set builders, repetiteurs, designers and directors, were all driving factors in the decision to establish a new opera company.

We very much look forward to welcoming your patronage of the company and enjoying your support at our events in the future.

Southern Opera Management Team

Chief Executive Officer James Caygill
Manager Artistic Operations Gina Boaks
Manager Artistic Planning Gretchen La Roche
Manager Marketing & Communications Michelle Rousse 
Marketing Executive Donna Alley
Artistic Administrator Clare De Courcy

Chorus Director Sharolyn Kimmorley

Southern Opera Charitable Trust
Trustees
Christopher Doig
Kate Burtt
Lewis Brown