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One of the world's greatest opera singers, tenor Placido Domingo, has accepted an invitation to become patron of New Zealand's newest opera company, Southern Opera.
The new Christchurch-based company, founded earlier this year by former New Zealand opera star Christopher Doig, says he was "ecstatic" that Domingo had agreed to take the position.
"He is one of the best known, loved and listened to international opera singers of our age, and we are absolutely delighted that he has agreed to become our patron," Doig said today.
Southern Opera is preparing for its first major production, Bizet's Carmen, in Christchurch starting on October 4.
"We don't believe Placido Domingo will be able to attend our opening season, but we are very hopeful that he will be here to see some of our subsequent performances," Doig said.
- NZPA
