Lakeside lineup revealed

2015 Lakeside Concert. FILE

The 20th anniversary of Rotorua's free Lakeside Concert will go back to its roots with a full orchestra and some of New Zealand's top opera stars.

Rotorua Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust chairman Ian Edward said one of the major attractions was the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra - which performed at the first concert.

"One other very exciting thing is a performer from the first concert, one of the world's leading tenors, Simon O'Neill, will be performing."

Mr Edward said Mr O'Neill travelled the world performing at opera and festivals globally.

"This is very special for us as it's the 20th celebration, so we are all very excited. The team that has run Lakeside for the last 20 years is virtually unchanged, which is quite an achievement in itself."

The concert's line-up was announced at a launch at Rotorua's Millennium Hotel last night.
Artistic director, former Western Heights High School student, Tim Beveridge, also performed at the first concert alongside Sir Howard Morrison.

"This event is truly unique," he said.

"We did wonder how we would do the 20th show, but we can't have everything so decided to keep it simple.

"We also wanted to really get back to an orchestra under full steam with a great selection of singers - both the familiar and the local - we think the wheel has come full circle."

Mr Beveridge said the orchestra would be led by top conductor Guy Noble with opera stars O'Neill, Anna Leese and local Elisha Hulton.

The concert will also feature perennial favourite Jackie Clarke, the Dust Palace Circus and the Lakeside debut of Rotorua's own quartet the Edward Brothers.

"Now the hard works starts, to really get this show together and celebrate 20 years of Lakeside in style," Mr Beveridge said.

Lakeside 2016
20th anniversary concert
Featuring the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Guy Noble
With opera stars Simon O'Neill, Anna Leese and Elisha Hulton
Also featuring Jackie Clarke, the Dust Palace Circus and the Edward Brothers
Artistic director - Rotorua's Tim Beveridge
At the Village Green, Rotorua Lakefront, February 20 from 7.30pm
Free entry