Despite the departure of prominent Central Hawke's Bay singing teacher Ileana Otto-Johansen, who was the prime mover in staging the successful annual operatic extravaganza Opera at Oruawharo, there are those who continue this stunning outdoor event.
Well-known local singer, bass-baritone Joseph Christensen, will direct the performance this year in thischarming venue near Takapau on Sunday week, February 2.
Beginning at 4pm and running until about 8pm, an exciting and varied programme of well-known popular operatic and music theatre selections is promised.
Included will be solo and ensemble items from operas Don Pasquale, Lucia di Lammermoor, Cosi fan tutti, Tannhauser, Don Carlos, Les pecheurs de perles, Rusalka, La forza del Destino, Tosca, Lakme and Rigoletto, plus music theatre selections from Man of La Mancha, The Mikado, Miss Saigon and Kiss Me Kate.
An impressive line-up of Hawke's Bay and visiting singers will also take part, including Auckland tenor Derek Hill, this year's Sir Howard Morrison Scholar of the year soprano Oriana Kershaw, soprano Daniela-Rosa Cepeda (impressive in the role of Christine in last year's Napier Operatic Society's production of Phantom of the Opera), bass Ray Seymour, soprano Cindy Walshe, baritone Michael Doody and mezzo-soprano Hannah Ludlow.
The singers will have excellent support and backing from an instrumental ensemble of pianists Paul Carnegie-Jones and Di Jeromsen, violinist Anneke Gelling-Geurs, flautist Sarah Tait-Jamieson, cellist Geert Gelling and percussionist Cefyn Gauden.
"A stunning evening's entertainment with exceptionally fine singing is on offer," says Oruawharo publicist Carol Seymour.
Tickets from W M Story in Waipukurau or visit oruawharo.com
