The eleventh Opera in the Paddock on Saturday March 24 will once again attract some of the biggest names on the Australian operatic scene to Delungra.
Soprano Jacqueline Mabardi will later this year sing the title role in Aida and for the Paddock will sing the duet from Aida with mezzo soprano, Elizabeth Campbell. Jacqueline will also sing the famous aria, Vissi d’arte from Tosca and Vilia from the Lehar’s Merry Widow.
Elizabeth Campbell has just returned from singing the role of Clytemnestra in the much acclaimed Western Australian Opera production of Elektra. One of Australia’s finest and popular young tenors, James Egglestone will return to the Paddock to sing Pinkerton in the selection of Madama Butterfly and Nessun Dorma from Turandot. James will perform the same role in Madama Butterfly later this year at the Sydney Opera House with Opera Australia. James is currently singing in the Adelaide Festival.
"The calibre of the singers who come to the perform in Opera in the Paddock is quite exceptional, particularly for a rural context,” said Artistic Director Peta Blyth. “Put together with 20 professional orchestral musicians, an exciting program and a spectacularly Australian setting , you have something that is unique and an event that has certainly established a high reputation amongst music circles.”
Acclaimed baritone, David Wakeham, who replaces the advertised Barry Ryan is now based in Brisbane and has sung throughout Europe in all the major houses. He will perform with Ms Mabardi in Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
The program features not only opera but also more selections of popular musicals Bring Him Home from les Miserables, If I loved You from Showboat and selections of Man of La Mancha.
Conductor Phoebe Briggs, sponsored by Opera Australia will coordinate the performers on their arrival in Inverell the week of the opera. It is a very intensive rehearsal period. Everybody has a total commitment to the event."
"In addition to thirty singers and instrumentalists on stage, this year we add a choir of fourteen singers from the region sponsored by Roberts and Morrow. It will be our best and most expansive evening, a real spectacular. It promises to very exciting, " said Ms Blyth.
Opera In the Paddock is presented by the non profit company Opera North West. Opera North West Ltd acknowledges the support of Arts NSW, Destination NSW, Opera Australia, Inverell Shire Council, NAB, Regional ABC, Essential Energy, Malachite Resources, German Consul and Roberts and Morrow.
Bookings can be made at Bingara Visitors Centre. Coaches will run from most regional centres including Bingara.
Phone Jenny Mead at the Visitors Centre to book: 6724 0066.
For further details on the concerts and opera visit www.operainthepaddock. com.au or phone 02 6724 8561
