Regional opera company, Opera North West, is pleased to announce performance dates for the major regional event, Opera in the Paddock, for 2017.
Following the success of Opera in the Paddock last year, the event will return to Lazenby Hall, UNE, Armidale on Friday 24th March and to the paddock at ‘Mimosa’ Delungra on Saturday 25th March.
The event which has been held at the private property “Mimosa”, Delungra since 2002, has become a major cultural attraction for the region.
With the inaugural performance of Opera in the Paddock in Armidale earlier this year, the company has cemented its position as northern NSW’s premier performance company.
In 2017, Opera North West is delighted to present a line-up of young, 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.
Artistic Director, Peta Blyth is delighted to see the company realize its goals in this way.
“These young artists are excited to be performing at the two event. Our aim has always been to provide opportunities for emerging artists, alongside those who are internationally renowned,” she said.
The event attracts people regionally, as well as from interstate, particularly in large numbers from Queensland. “We are truly thankful to all audiences for their invaluable support,” she added.
For many years, Peta Blyth has been a tireless advocate for the provision of professional development opportunities for emerging artists, particularly local musicians. “One of our challenges is looking for ways to improve on what we do,” said Mrs Blyth.
“We understand the importance of constantly evolving and presenting something new,” she said.
With this in mind, she is delighted that next year a number of local singers will have the opportunity to perform on stage as part of a choir at both performances.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from our sponsors. Without their continued support, we simply would not be in the position to achieve our mission of delivering fine quality performances and artists of national and international standard in regional centres,” she said.
Opera North West gratefully acknowledges the support of Destination NSW, the Inverell Shire Council, the Armidale Regional Council, the University of New England, Arts NSW, Telstra, Inverell, NBN and Opera Australia.
Tickets are now on sale. For bookings and enquiries: www.operainthepaddock.com.au or tel: 1800 240 301
