CEO Craig Hassall remains optimistic that the Sydney home of OA will receive future investment from Baird.

“If it was the end of the story, we would of course be furious, but I’m hoping this is just the start of something bigger.” This was the reaction of Opera Australia CEO Craig Hassall earlier today in response to yesterday’s announcement by NSW Premier Mike Baird that the $202 million from the newly created $600 million Arts and Culture Infrastructure Fund due to be invested in upgrades to the Sydney Opera House would not include any improvements to the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

In an exclusive interview with Limelight, the opera boss confirmed that no money from the Arts and Culture Infrastructure Fund had yet been committed to upgrading the Sydney home of Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet, although he remained optimistic that Baird’s announcement yesterday heralded an ongoing commitment to financially supporting the arts community. Hassall hopes this will ensure future investment in the Opera House to underwrite improvements to the Joan Sutherland Theatre, although specifically when this might be was unclear.

However, whereas significant stage-size and acoustic upgrades have been promised for the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall, Hassall said...