"It's a great way to finish," festival director Nicholas McBryde said yesterday.
"To have singers like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Gin Wigmore - who, while at different ends of the spectrum, both have tremendous followings - perform on consecutive nights shows the strength of the festival.
"We were delighted that Gin could sing, as she had to cancel her concerts in Wellington and Palmerston North last week on medical advice because of throat problems."
Wigmore strained her vocal chords soon after scooping the 2010 New Zealand Music Awards.
She won four Tuis: album of the year (Holy Smoke), breakthrough artist of the year, best pop album and highest-selling album.
The festival was contemplating records of its own yesterday.
"Our audience numbers this year are looking like they'll be a record. We've had more audience numbers than at any other festival," Mr McBryde said.
"Of the 26 gigs, only three dipped below our expectations in box office sales.
"Everything else has done remarkably well.
"I'm feeling very good about how it's gone this year.
"We've had a triumphant collection of performances and the festival really has reached a critical mass, in terms of audiences.
"It's a great way to sign off."
Mr McBryde has been the director of the festival since its launch in 2000 and will retire after this year's event.
His successor is expected to be named early next year.
The next Otago Festival of the Arts is in 2012.
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