Regional opera company, Opera North West, is pleased to announce performance dates for the major regional event, Opera in the Paddock, for 2017. This year, three lucky students from Bingara, Warialda and Moree will be offered the chance to attend for free. The event which has been held at the private property “Mimosa”, Delungra since 2002, has become a major cultural attraction for the region, it has cemented its position as northern NSW’s premier performance company.
Following the success of Opera in the Paddock last year, the event will return to Lazenby Hall, UNE, Armidale on Friday 24th March as well as to the paddock at ‘Mimosa’ Delungra on Saturday 25th March.
Established by renowned opera singer Peta Blyth and her farming husband Bill, the magical surrounds of the paddock attract over 1,000 annually who enjoy an unforgettable evening of superb music under the stars.
While the audience relaxes in the informality of the paddock, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. Artistic Director, Peta Blyth, is a tireless advocate for the provision of professional development opportunities for emerging artists, particularly local musicians. “One of the reasons we started Opera in the Paddock was to provide a performance platform for our regional artists,” she said.
“We understand how important it is for regional musicians to be able to work with the very best leading professionals in the country. They gain invaluable training and professional development while learning valuable skills. It provides motivation as well as helping their confidence and self-esteem,” she said. “Importantly, it provides paid performance opportunities that are not always readily available where we live.We hope our company has gone some way in helping to retain young people through these employment and educational initiatives,” said Mrs Blyth.
Opera in the Paddock provides opportunities that are pivotal in building long-term sustainability for arts and creativity in rural communities. With this in mind, Peta is delighted that three lucky students, one each from Bingara, Warialda and Moree, will be offered a free ticket to attend Opera in the Paddock this year. “Being able to offer this experience to a young person is a natural extension of our values and what we believe in,” she said. “We hope that they will be inspired by the wonderful program of world-class entertainment.”
In 2017, Opera North West is delighted to present an exciting line-up of emerging, talented performers. These include mezzo soprano Eleanor Greenwood, sopranos Panayiota Kalatzis, bass baritone Jeremy Kleeman, together with paddock favourite tenor David Hamilton, as well as Peta Blyth, accompanied by the Mimosa Orchestra conducted by Timothy Sexton, in an evening of opera, operetta and much-loved classic musicals.
For bookings and enquiries: www.operainthepaddock.com.au or tel: 1800 240 301.
Students interested in obtaining a free ticket should contact Opera North West email: office@operanorthwest.com.au or tel: 02 6724 8561.
