Arts
20 November, 2025
Opera ditches ‘spiritual home’ shows
LOW audience numbers has seen Lyster Opera Company drop Loddon communities from its 2026 touring schedule.
The company has performed in Inglewood but was forced to relocate shows to Charlton last year when town hall renovations were scheduled at the same time as the opera’s regional tour.
“Unfortunately, Inglewood and the Loddon Shire do not feature in our upcoming itinerary,” said founder and director Jamie Moffat.
“ This was not an easy decision and, in many ways, a bittersweet one. Lyster Opera was born in the Loddon Shire, and we have always enjoyed performing there and connecting with the local community.
“However, we have had to be realistic.
“Over the past three years, our visits to Tarnagulla, Charlton - not quite Loddon, I know, but nearby - and Inglewood have all resulted in significant financial losses, while our other tour stops have been more sustainable.
“We can no longer justify the expense of returning under current circumstances,” Mr Moffat said.