The Otago Community Trust supports a dynamic and creative city

 

 

 

The Otago Community Trust is supporting Dunedin’s vibrant creative community with a $45,000 donation to the Fortune Theatre and a $55,000 donation to the Southern Sinfonia.  

 

The Fortune is the only professional theatre in the lower South Island and regularly premiers original New Zealand work that attracts skilled performers and national critical attention.

 

The Trust’s donation will support the delivery of the 2011 programme and enable the Fortune to provide quality, live theatre while contributing to the growth of performing arts in the region.

 

“The Fortune Theatre is a city icon, providing a venue for local, national and international theatrical production, they not only entertain audiences but develop the skills of performers, theatre practitioners and writers at all stages of their careers” said Otago Community Trust Chief Executive Keith Ellwood.

Southern Sinfonia’s audiences across Otago will now have the opportunity to experience international renowned conductors and soloists following the Otago Community Trust’s support.

 

“The support of the Trust will make it possible for Dunedin audiences to experience a number of world renowned Russian, German, English and Canadian conductors and soloists” said Dunedin Civic Orchestra General Manager Phillipa Harris.

 

The Sinfonia’s orchestra has been performing in Dunedin for more than 44 years and tours performances across Otago. They are one of only four regional orchestras in New Zealand.

The donation will support a programme of activities including a chamber music tour to primary schools in the region and an academy for grades three to six to prepare young players for the Dunedin Youth Orchestra.

These donations were part of the $840,200 given to 34 organisations throughout Otago in April 2011. These donations include funding to important community services including the Salvation Army, Presbyterian Support and Barnardos.