Tuesday 15 July, 2021

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, in association with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, has had to cancel performances of The Soldier’s Tale in Dunedin, Oamaru, and Ashburton this week, 16-18 June, due to conductor Hamish McKeich becoming unwell.

Hamish, who is Principal Conductor at both the RNZB and the NZSO, fell ill on 11 June after a performance of The Soldier’s Tale in Manukau.  Scheduled performances in Kerikeri and Whangārei at the weekend were subsequently cancelled. 

Maestro McKeich is in a stable condition in hospital. His family have asked that his privacy is respected while he recovers.

Our thoughts are with Hamish and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery.

The Soldier’s Tale is presented in association with the RNZB.   Like the NZSO, we appreciate the patience and understanding audiences and supporters in Dunedin, Oamaru and Ashburton, especially given that performances of The Soldier’s Tale were postponed in March due to Covid-19 restrictions.

We also appreciate the understanding from audiences and supporters in Kerikeri and Whangārei for performances being cancelled at short notice.

All tickets to The Soldier’s Tale in Dunedin (16 June), Oamaru (17 June), and Ashburton (18 June), will be refunded. Ticketing agencies will contact ticket purchasers directly.