Opera Australia’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini, who is coming to this year’s Opera in the Paddock (OP) concert at Mimosa, Delungra on Saturday, March 19 to mark its 10th anniversary, is no stranger to regional events.

Terracini says he loves them and as artistic director of the Brisbane Festival he organised a number outreach opera concerts at Jimbour in the state’s southeast.

"The cultural life of the regions is really important," he said.

"Opera in the Paddock has a wonderful reputation as an outstanding event because of the high quality of the program and performers and the audiences it attracts."

To mark the 10th birthday he is sponsoring two of OA’s rising young stars, soprano Annabelle Chaffey and tenor David Corcoran to appear on the Paddock stage.

Another drawcard for Terracini is the tribute to Dame Joan Sutherland and the Bel Canto to feature in the 2011 OP program. Earlier in her career the concert’s artistic director, soprano Peta Blyth, performed with OA and understudied Dame Joan in the lead female role in Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment.

She remembers the great singer for her warmth of character, pragmatic attitude, sense of humour and for her encouragement to younger performers.

"We really appreciate Lyndon’s enthusiasm for Opera in the Paddock," Peta said. ‘

"He is genuinely interested in supporting regional events like ours and sharing his own passion for opera with audiences everywhere."

The two young OA singers will perform with Peta and other Paddock veterans mezzo soprano Elizabeth Campbell, baritone Shaun Brown, bass David Hibbard, pianist David Miller, conductor Tim Sexton and the Mimosa Chamber Orchestra. Tenor Virgilio Marino is the newcomer.

This year’s program includes excerpts from Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment, La Favorita and Don Pasquale, Bellini’s I Puritani and Norma, Verdi’s Rigoletto , Puccini La Rondine and Bizet’s Carmen, Bernstein, Strauss and Lehar. Once again a German, Italian and French Art song recital will be held in the Inverell Town Hall on Friday, March 18 at 6.15pm as a precursor to the opera concert.

Tickets available online at www.operainthepaddock.com.au or from Inverell Visitors Information Centre on 6728 8161.

© 2011 Inverell Times

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