Despite the late withdrawal of star Dame Malvina Major, concertgoers can still expect a superb evening of opera on the sweeping lawns of the historic Oruawharo homestead tomorrow.
Dame Malvina has had to pull out of performing at the Takapau homestead because of ill health.
However, concert director Joseph Christensen said he had "worked through the night" to find a fitting stand-in for Dame Malvina, who was to have performed as part of a line-up of stars including former Hawke's Bay and now Perth-based musical identity Ileana Otto-Johansen, to celebrate the event's 10th anniversary.
The organisers were able to secure soprano Helen Medlyn MNZM, who is an established regular guest artist with opera companies and orchestras throughout Australasia, Mr Christensen said.
"We know that concertgoers will not be disappointed with our efforts to secure Helen, who was awarded the MNZM for services to performing arts last year."
Helen Medlyn is renowned for her versatile dramatic performances.
She played Fraulein Schneider in the Auckland Theatre Company's season of Cabaret and performed Messiah with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the Sydney Opera House.
She also played the "trouser" role of Prince Orlovsky in the National Business Review New Zealand Opera season of Die Fledermaus.
Mr Christensen said tickets for the event had been selling well and he hoped people would continue to support the event, which raised much-needed funds for Camp Quality and the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter service.
The concert promised a "sparkling programme" of operatic and music theatre, solo, ensemble and chorus selections, he said.