It's mission possible ...

FANS: Peter Holley is anticipating a smaller audience.

For Mission Estate Winery CEO Peter Holley picking his favourite artist from the past 21 great concerts staged is not easy, but he reckons Rod Stewart was "outstanding". But all had a magic to them he said, and he's seen them since 1993 when Kiri Te Kanawa first took to the open air stage. Only in 2009 (rain cancellation) and this year had there been not a concert, but it's all back on again now for February 2016 with Ben Harper and Simply Red lined up. Roger Moroney put five questions to Mr Holley about the Mission "magic".

1 The 2016 weekend is a new direction for the Mission in that it takes place over two days - why was that decided upon and is that how it will continue to be staged in years to come?

It has been our long stated objective to bring in world class performers of different genre to the Mission. However,in more recent years we haveseen considerable change in the way acts are procured and delivered. Thismarket evolution has made it increasingly difficult to target specific performers or ones that coincide with Australasian tours. In an effort to continuewith the Mission Concert tradition we have opted to stage more frequent and intimate shows. A summer series offers the options of different acts that appeal to a broader audience. Clearly there are considerable advantages and benefits to both promoters and concert goers.

2 Both acts are very different - is that also part of the equation to create a wider scope for attracting people?

Absolutely - both these performers have well established credentials that will appeal to different market segments.

3 Do you have an audience number target for both concerts and will there be any noticeable changes to the Mission concert lay-out?

We are anticipating a smaller audience but will continue to offer the same convenient range of food and beverage. A smaller audience also allows for a simple and efficient entry and departurewith the entire event being managed on site - particularly parking.

4 Many people reckoned that after the cancellation of this year's event it was curtains for the Mission Concert - but you and the crew were clearly not of that opinion. Is it set for the long run on an annual basis again?

As long as we can source quality artists that meet the expectations of our patrons we will continue to apply sustained efforts in making sure the tradition of the Mission Concert continues annually.

5 How challenging is it to find the big acts, given there are so many concerts being staged across the landand especially in the summer period?

The bigger acts are now being contracted for multiple performances and tours staged across both New Zealand and Australia. The real potential lies in securing a North Island show or, if the opportunity presents, to contract a performer directly. Given the issues oftargeting a specific date, schedules and availability of infrastructure this is often, more than not, a very challenging exercise!