The stars shone brightly over a crowd of about 1400 people who turned up to watch Opera in the Paddock on Saturday evening.

The songs, some sang in French, Italian and German, resonated through the Mimosa property at Delungra.

And people hoping for a real bush experience even had the chance to hear kookaburras join in some of the songs from their trees out the back.

Big illuminated trees stood behind the crowd as people relaxed in their chairs eating crackers and dip from their tables while sipping on wine.

Organiser and soprano Peta Blyth said she thought the number of people at the opera was about the same as last year.

"We had the most perfect night," she said. "It wasn't cold."

Mrs Blyth said the artists also really enjoyed being here and had a chance to visit the Inverell Art Gallery.

Many people came from places far away, including Brisbane and Melbourne, to attend the professional opera.

Jalna Murray, from Brisbane, said a friend from the area had recommended she come to Opera in the Paddock.

"It was fabulous and I'll certainly be back," she said.

Kerrie Wright, from Dorrigo, who was also attending for the first time, said: "The atmosphere, quality of the performance – what a heavenly night."

Deidre Magill, from Crooble, has been to five of the six Opera in the Paddock evenings.

"It's fantastic. (It's an) opportunity to have some culture and it's a friendly atmosphere," she said.

© 2007 Inverell Times

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