Sealord Night with the Stars - Nelson

November 22 2005

Media Release from Sealord Summer Festival Nelson

Sealord Night with the Stars, Saxton Field, Nelson, Sun 12 Feb, 7.30pm

Kiwi music icon Dave Dobbyn will join a top line up of opera stars at Nelson’s
major outdoor summer music event this year.

Sealord Night with the Stars is the new name for the Summer Festival Finale at Saxton Field on Sunday February 12, with the name change from ‘Opera in the Park’ reflecting a shift in the format.

Company secretary Terry Horne said Sealord’s aim was to present an affordable quality event for the Nelson community. “’The emphasis remains on opera - the opera line-up for 2006 is one of the strongest ever - but the change of name signals our willingness to include stars from other genres.

“This is in the tradition of Pavarotti concerts that mix opera arias with performances by popular music greats, and is a response to requests we’ve received, over the years, to widen the repertoire,” he said. “Hayley Westenra was a huge success, when she was part of the programme, and many people loved the pop element a couple of years ago, although others felt it wasn’t in keeping with the opera theme.”

The opera line-up for Sealord Night with the Stars features one of the first home appearances of acclaimed New Zealand tenor Keith Lewis, who is coming direct from London, the dazzling mezzo Helen Medlyn, and rising star Allison Cormack, the standout winner of this year’s Sealord Aria.

Musical Director Peter Rainey says he’s thrilled to have secured Dave Dobbyn, whose appearance is being sponsored by Kaimira Wines.

“Dave will be singing songs like ‘Slice of Heaven’ as well as some newer material, in orchestral arrangements with the Christchurch Symphony under the baton of Marc Taddei,” Rainey said. “They did a concert like this in the Christchurch Town Hall recently - it was a sell out and had rave reviews.”

Nelson City Council Festival Director Annabel Norman said it was very important that an annual event like opera in the park remained dynamic.

“We need to explore new horizons without departing too far from the formula that we know people enjoy. Sealord Night with the Stars is going to offer Nelsonians and visitors a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arts in a beautiful environment.”

Options such as alternating the format year by year will be considered after the February event.

Sealord Night with the Stars, Saxton Field, Nelson, Sun 12 Feb, 7.30pm - 10pm. Gates open at 5.30pm Saxton Field, Main Road, Stoke Cost: $10 Adult, $5 Child. Tickets: On sale early December, Everyman Records Ph: (03) 548 3083 Tasman District Council Ph: (03) 544 8176 Nelson City Council Ph: (03) 546 0200
Please note: Credit cards not accepted for ticket purchases. Please add 25c to cheques marked ‘not negotiable’ and made payable to Everyman Records, Tasman District Council or Nelson City Council.

Bring: rugs, warm clothing, a torch and picnic. If you bring a chair, please set up in the designated area. Stars’ Bar: Enjoy gorgeous Kaimira wines and famous Mac’s beers.

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS...RECYCLING STATIONS AT EXITS.

ENDS

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