With patrons coming from far and wide as they do each and every year, this year’s Opera By The Lakes (OBTL) just happens to fall on St Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17), and organisers have musicians coming to play some Irish tunes.
Prior to OBTL you can get those twinkle toes moving and voices singing along on the picnic lawn to some traditional Irish sounds. If you feel the beat, dig into that wardrobe and perhaps find something green to go along with the happy atmosphere that such music evokes.
Enjoy a glass of wine from the Friends of Nyerimilang wine bar, or a coffee, with homemade cakes.
“The joyful atmosphere and the camaraderie as patrons come together is always something that stays with you in that memory bank, and that is all before you enter the opera lawn where the magic happens when the stars of Opera Australia, which Gippsland Opera manage to obtain each and every year, because they likewise love this event, the venue, the atmosphere, and yes East Gippsland,” organiser Andrea Ford said.
“With Georgia Wilkinson, coloratura soprano, winner of the prestigious Sun Aria, and currently performing in major opera houses from London to Dubai as Christine, in Phantom of the Opera, we are so fortunate to have Georgia’s magic carpet land on our stage at OBTL.
“Together with Georgia, we have tenor Shanul Sharma, baritone Nathan Lay who is also part of Ten Tenors as well as being the singing voice in the film also starring Joanna Lumley, Falling For Figaro.
“They are joined by the vibrant lyric soprano Kate Amos, mezzo soprano Dimity Shepherd, and up and coming baritone and music theatre singer, Wil Jones.
“With this perfect combination of voices, plus obtaining the Sun Aria accompanist, who is much in demand, David McNicol, those fortunate enough to have a ticket, are in for a very special afternoon of musical magic.
“This event also helps the community in many ways, from putting Nyerimilang Heritage Park in the spotlight and our region as patrons come from not only Melbourne but New South Wales, Tasmania, New Zealand and many stay in East Gippsland for a five-day tour around our region.
“Likewise community groups obtain the opportunity of raising money for their groups – Friends of Nyerimilang, Red Cross, Nungurner Primary School, Lions, Rotary, and more.
“It’s also important for many in our community because it unites families and friends to enjoy something special together and has been doing that since we commenced 10 years ago.”
Tickets are still available via TryBooking. Gippsland Opera has reduced price of seats in C Reserve from $75 to $55, with excellent views of the Lakes.
Visit the Gippsland Opera website and follow the links, or contact Andrea (details available at the Advertiser office).
