Tuesday is the day of my weekly staff meeting. We made it short this morning - everyone working flat out. This is the busiest time of our season with two productions at varying stages of preparation so sitting around in meetings is not too popular. We tried, reasonably successfully, to get through the short agenda quickly. I am thrilled by the performance of the Box office, further proof of the effect of the great freshness and innovative spirit of our Marketing Director Colleen. When it shows up so dramatically in the numbers it is exciting for all. The sales of Abduction are surpassing our Figaro figures for last year at the same time. Opera companies are not used to doing that. But Abduction has not been seen here for 22 years so maybe there is a pent up demand........no, I think its just good marketing, and that bodes very well for the future.
A good lunch meeting with a brilliant young potential Board member. He would be a fantastic asset - I hope he will join us.
This afternoon we were on the stage again with the beginnings of some lighting - early stages for a show which will depend on lighting to a great degree. But not too soon to see that it will be a very photogenic show - as you can see here (click to enlarge) and in the few new pictures in the Album to your left. There will be a more complete collection after the Piano Dress on Thursday.
And today is ANZAC Day - an important day in the Australian and New Zealand calendars, marked by
a splendid reception given by the Australian Consul-General here - Bob Charles. Our two Australian designers, Andy and Kimm, came along and clearly attached great importance to this. There was an excellent exposition of the importance and significance of April 25 1915 - by a wise and entertaining Australian Admiral. This was followed by US, NZ and Australian national anthems and then the Last Post - altogether a moving ceremony.
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