A national review into opera in Australia has been welcomed by State Opera of South Australia CEO Tim Sexton, who believes more funding should flow to the state companies.

The Federal Government review will look at government funding and the financial position of opera companies including Opera Australia and state-based producers such as the State Opera of SA.

Sexton says the review comes as no surprise after the 1999 Major Performing Arts Inquiry.

“What they’re looking into is the $32 million that is spent on opera – of which SOSA only receives 5 per cent – but it’s public money and I think the public has a right to believe their money is being spent appropriately.

“However, an art form like opera can’t be measured purely in profitability.

“The review is an opportunity to evaluate opera in light of the huge contribution it makes. It’s vital and I wholly support it.”

Sexton said the review came at the right time for the industry, whose audience has changed dramatically as a result of social media and the internet.

“It’s timely to look at the way the Federal Government spends its money with these companies, because to be successful, no art form can exist without support.

“It is my view that more money should be given to state organisations, such as Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, to allow us to do more and do more regional work.”

He said opera should be considered in terms of the influence it provides culturally and across other sectors.

“While we should be constantly looking at the best models of delivery for all the art forms, there is no single national solution for the delivery of art.”

His latest production, the $1.7 million world premiere of the Philip Glass Trilogy, opens at Her Majesty’s next week.

“The work that state companies do is so vital; Philip Glass is a case in point.

“In terms of commitment to the arts, we have 150 performers in Philip Glass – dancers, singers, musicians – virtually all of whom are South Australians. That is a huge figure and a rare occurrence.

“So there is a cascade effect that carries through from one industry to the next.”

He said the support of opera productions in South Australia had implications for the art nationally and internationally.

“Adelaide punches so far above its weight as far as people working interstate and overseas. Adelaide provides unique opportunities for those people to first develop those skills and techniques.

“They are opportunities that don’t exist elsewhere.”