The sixth annual Opera in the Paddock was held to a large and appreciative crowd on Saturday night at “Mimosa” Delungra, with more than 1200 visitors soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful recitals of many opera favourites.

Guests were wowed by selections from Handel, duets by Bellini and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Bizet’s The Pearlfishers, Flotow’s Martha and Porter’s Kiss Me Kate along with many other selections and instrumental pieces.

Organiser Peta Blyth said she was very pleased with the response from the crowd for both the Twilight Recital of German Song and Opera in the Paddock.

“We had a marvellous response this year, the crowd was so appreciative for both evenings and the weather was absolutely perfect.

“The German consul really enjoyed both the performances and it is great to see relations between Germany and Inverell getting stronger through music.”

More than 280 people attended the night of German song held at the Inverell Town Hall featuring Lieder by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Strauss and Mendelssohn and Consul Gunther Gruber and Cultural Attaché Christiane Gruber were special guests of organisers and the Inverell Shire Council for the recital and Opera in the Paddock.

Five world-class singers performed on both nights, including Soprano Peta Blyth, Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth Campbell, Tenor James Egglestone, Baritone Shaun Brown and Bass David Hibbard.

The singers were accompanied by Pianist David Miller and the Mimosa Ensemble who captured the true essence of the beautiful compositions for the excited crowds.

© 2008 Inverell Times

<< Back