The Melbourne-based Australian Contemporary Opera Company (ACOCO) has announced the cancellation of its upcoming ACOCO Festival, scheduled to begin on 21 February.

“Despite our best and determined efforts to curate, prepare and deliver a world-class program, ticket sales have fallen significantly short of our projections, making it financially unfeasible to proceed with this year’s Festival,” said an ACOCO spokesperson.

“Thanks for your patience and understanding as we take some time to regroup, and reorganise our 2025 performance schedule – which will include an exclusive concert performance by Danielle de Niese and ACOCO artists later in the year.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who supported ACOCO by purchasing tickets and donating.”

ACOCO Festival headliner Danielle de Niese. Photo supplied

The ACOCO Festival was set to play the PAC Theatre in North Melbourne and the scenic Pt. Leo Estate on the Mornington Peninsula over 10 days and feature a diverse lineup of events, including three Australian premieres in p r i s m, (by Ellen Reid and Roxie Perkins), Sanatorium Express (by the Finnish composer Iiro Rantala) and Soldier Songs, which draws on the experiences of American war veterans.

Also on the festival program...