Record numbers attend Otago Festival of the Arts

Record numbers attend Otago Festival of the Arts events

The Otago Festival of the Arts achieved record audiences on Saturday 2 October with more than 6,000 people attending eight events in the city during the day and night.

Jonathan Lemalu’s triumphant performance to a completely sold-out house in the Dunedin Town Hall gave rise to three encores and a tide of rapturous standing ovations. Performing with the NZSO, Jonathan’s concert to his home town audience was enjoyed by almost 3,000 people.

Also attracting massive audiences during the day has been the very popular walk-in art installation – the Luminarium. Long lines of Otago residents and visitors have queued up to be immersed inside the magical interior, with Architects of Air technicians saying the 1,500 daily totals are among the best the Luminarium has achieved around the world.

With two successful final performances of Evita and good audiences for the seasons of Odyssey, Home Land and Cherish, thousands of Festival goers were spread around the city in theatres, as well as specially constructed venues in the Otago Settlers Museum and Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

The Festival Club at the Savoy was also brimming to overflowing with people continuing evening festivities and enjoying local jazz ensemble Suzanne Ellison and Rue de Remarque.

The activity will not subside in the week to come with American vocal artist and electronic diva Amy X Neuburg’s performance, two seasons opening with Angels with Dirty Feet and Untold Tales of Maui, the St Paul’s at One Lunchtime Series beginning, and much, much more.

The Otago Festival of the Arts concludes on Saturday 9 October with a throat singing Festival finalé by Chirgilchin, who are coming to Dunedin from Tuva, Russia.

© Scoop Media