Opera in the Paddock attracted the crowds again this year with more than 1200 people gathering with their picnics for the popular concert under the stars at Mimosa, Delungra on the evening of Saturday 15.
"We were delighted with the response and the enthusiasm of the audience," said Peta Blyth the local soprano who organises the concert each year with her husband Bill on their grazing property. "Our performers keep coming back because they love the audiences, the venue and the whole experience." Again, Bingara based audio guru, Martin Hansford was in charge of the sound, which was, as always superb.
An additional Lieder concert Twilight of German Song in the Inverell Town Hall on Friday evening with Opera in the Paddock singers also attracted an audience of more than 280. The concert was sponsored by the German Consul General and QantasLink.
Performers, with compere Bill Gleeson (with folder), at the end of another successful Opera In The Paddock. Hostess and event organiser, Peta Blyth, is on the right.
"Quite a number of people came to make a weekend of it and we were very happy with the response," Ms Blyth said. "We don’t often get singers of such high calibre together in the country and we wanted to take advantage of their visit." Accommodation in Inverell and most of the surrounding towns was again booked out for the events with many people taking advantage of the return coach services from Armidale, Tamworth, Glen Innes, Moree and Oakey in Queensland.
For the first time in several years, a bus did not run from Bingara.
Inverell Tourism Manager Les Moulds said the feedback he had from this year’s concert was that it was one of the best. "Opera in the Paddock has developed into an icon event in our region," he said.
"The program, the setting and the wonderful atmosphere are just magic. We already have people wanting to book for next year and it is drawing people from right across NSW and southern Queensland. "It’s a very special event and the wonderful thing is that the performers are so keen to come because they love the atmosphere, the quality of the program and the enthusiastic response from the audience."
Compliments of The Bingara Advocate
