Royal Whanganui Opera House top choice of artists

The Royal Wanganui Opera House has been voted a top place to play by artists. Photo/Mark Brimblecombe

The Royal Wanganui Opera House has been voted best music venue by artists who have performed there during the past year.

Every year Arts On Tour NZ sends Kiwi musicians and actors around the country, bringing top talent to quality town and country venues from Northland to Invercargill and sometimes Stewart Island.

The agency gets to know venues pretty well, and this year decided to name winners in the inaugural Regional Arts Touring awards (RATS) - selected by popular vote from touring artists and staff.

Andrew London, who performed at the Royal Wanganui Opera House with his wife Kirsten London and Nils Olsen as the Andrew London Trio in October, voted for the venue.

"…although intimidating with its 800-seat auditorium, has a wonderful sound system and lighting guy," he said.

Volunteer group, Friends of the Opera House formed a committee in 1990 to care for the Victorian opera house which first opened in 1900.

Four Arts On Tour NZ artists have performed at the opera house this year, as have many local, New Zealand and International musicians and performers.