A North Canterbury woolshed will become the first venue to host the New Zealand Opera company since its merger with Southern Opera.

The company will perform George Frideric Handel's Acis and Galatea on Saturday and Sunday nights in the historic woolshed at Greta Valley's Tipapa Estate.

The event marks the inaugural performance for New Zealand Opera since it merged with Southern Opera last year to create the country's first national opera company, with bases in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Tipapa Estate owner John Carr said he was looking forward to what "should be an amazing event".

Children from four local primary schools - Waikari, Omihi, Waipara and Waikari - have been invited to Friday night's dress rehearsal, and Carr hoped one or two children would be incorporated into the cast.

Each performance is limited to 200 guests, who are encouraged to bring a picnic and dress in black tie.

The first night has already sold out, but limited tickets are still available for Sunday's performance by calling 0800 NZ Opera.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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