Victorian Opera has announced that it will be canceling its previously announced performance of “Voss.”

The Australian company revealed that the cancelation of the August 4 showcase was necessitated by the current lockdowns the country is experiencing due to COVID-19.

The performance was set to be a historic first with Victorian Opera set to give the first performance of the opera in 30 years.

“Voss,” which was composed by Richard Meale and written by David Malouf, was set to be presented in association with the Australian National Academy of Music. The opera is based on Patrick White’s 1957 novel about German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt’s journey across Australia.

The production will still move forward in a streamed version set for Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. That performance will be staged by State Opera South Australia.