Opera has brought the attention of the world to New Zealand.
Think Inia Te Wiata, Donald McIntyre, Kiri Te Kanawa, Malvina Major, Jonathan Lemalu and Teddy Tahu Rhodes - to name just a few global stars of the genre.
And it's fantastic that Wanganui - and Collegiate School and the city's glorious opera house - are part of that tradition with the annual New Zealand Opera School.
The national publicity Wanganui received on Saturday with the news item of the flash mob tram performance was priceless - a beautiful day, innovative event and good turnout.
Fortunately TV news isn't in smell-o-vision yet.
But let's not detract from a wonderful event and 10 days of opera in Wanganui.
Too often the tenor of news about the city is not good.
But those who live here know Wanganui is a city of many, many things, including the New Zealand Opera School.
And it was good to see a former Wanganui resident among those participating in the school - soprano and young mum Shannon Atkin (nee Tweedie) who now lives in Brisbane.
As Shannon said, she along with her 21 colleagues celebrated the brilliant opportunity of immersing themselves in opera.
The week continues until Saturday, culminating in a final night concert at the opera house titled Great Opera Moments. Only a few tickets remain.
You don't have to like opera to like what Shannon and her fellow singers are saying.
We can all appreciate the 10 days when it's top of the pops in Wanganui.
And who knows, one of the young people put through what is affectionately known as the boot camp of opera may well join that list of stars who have sung all around the world. It would be nice to think Wanganui had a small part in that success.
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