( ) May 2020
Dear We hope this finds you and your family staying well during these challenging times. Due to COVID-19 we have had to reassess the 2020 Herald Sun Aria with Melbourne Opera. We have made the difficult decision to suspend this year's competition. The Herald Sun Aria with Melbourne Opera, is one of Australia’s most prestigious and longest running opera competitions. We have worked closely with the Royal South Street Society which is led by the Chairman Peter Zala, who have run the Aria heats and semi-final each year in our long history together. Since 1924 the Aria has launched many an international operatic career and has made this decision to suspend for the second time only during its 95-year history. The first being during WWII, when the competition was suspended for three years. “We take the health and safety of our entrants, their teachers, our valued sponsors and our loyal audience members very seriously”, says Penny Fowler, Chairman of the Herald Sun Aria in partnership with Melbourne Opera, “and believe this suspension is in the best interests of all concerned.” “We will be back with our 2021 competition bigger and better than ever before!” says Lady Primrose Potter, Patron in Chief of Melbourne Opera. On behalf of the Herald Sun Aria with Melbourne Opera, we thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing you next year. Warm Regards
Penny Fowler Chairman Herald & Weekly Times
Lady Primrose Potter AC Patron in Chief Melbourne Opera Patron Royal South Street Society