OPERA Australia’s massive “La Traviata” production for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, due to open on March 27, has been cancelled in light of the COVID-19 virus, along with all its remaining summer productions.

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia has also today (March 16) announced that it will cancel education programs from today and all on-site screenings, exhibitions and special events from 4pm, Wednesday, March 18, until April 30. The building will not be open to the public during this period.

Major interstate cancellations announced today include the Four Winds 2020 Easter Festival in Bermagui and Musica Viva’s planned April tour with Piers Lane and the Goldner String Quartet, which was set to visit Canberra.

Other Canberra cancellations are:

Canberra Bach Ensemble’s CBE cantata performances in Manuka and Yass on March 27-29;

Tuggeranong Arts Centre presents a twilight concert on Sunday, March 29;

ANU’s 3A Institute’s performance of “Rossum’s Universal Robots” on April 2 at Questacon;

Elise Walsh Quintet on April 3, note all Jazz Haus concerts have been postponed until further notice;

National Capital Orchestra’s March 29 concert with Matt Withers.

Musica da Camera’s concert with pianist Katherine Day on April 4;

Down at the coast, Gallery Bodalla will be closed until further notice in the hope of helping to “flatten the curve”.

But some organisations have not yet determined what to do.

The Canberra Theatre says: “We are working with Government and representatives from all of our upcoming performances. As soon as we have answers we’ll be in touch with patrons immediately affected by cancellations and postponements.”

Canberra International Music Festival director Roland Peelman hopes to go ahead, but has to factor in overseas withdrawals and the ANU’s closure of venues.

Watch this space.