AVID Opera presents 'Opera Unleashed'

AVID Opera presents 'Opera Unleashed'

Nelson opera fans don’t have to wait until next year’s Opera in the Park to enjoy some of the best-loved hits from the classics.

A group of local classical singers have formed the operatic performance group AVID Opera and have their first concert, ‘Opera Unleashed’ coming up this weekend (May 22 and 24). Spokesperson Allison Cormack says the members of the group are all well-known local singers, and most of them have formally trained as opera singers at conservatory level.

“Most of us have performed as soloists with the Nelson Civic Choir and have staged a number of classical recitals at the School of Music and the Cathedral in recent years,” she said. “We're all excited about this new opportunity to perform together as there is a vibrant arts scene in Nelson and plenty of music making, but not so many occasions for opera singers to perform, particularly in ensemble pieces."

In the upcoming concert Ewen Griffiths and Graham O’Brien will perform the much-loved ‘Pearl Fishers’ duet and Barbara Ann Grant and Erica Sim will sing the ‘Flower Song’ duet from 'Lakme'. Allison Cormack will sing the 'first lady' from ‘The Magic Flute’, the beautiful Rusalka's 'Song to the Moon' and the formidable 'Pace, Pace' from 'La Forza del Destino'.

The other members of the group, Zoe Bennett, Amanda Crehan, Tibor Koralyi and Aaron Borcovsky will perform in trios, quartets and a whimsical quintet from 'The Magic Flute', as well as a full ensemble rousing drinking song from 'Die Fledermaus’ 'to finish. The performances will be accompanied by Pauline Boyd.

‘Opera Unleashed’ will be compered by Tom McInerney who, Alison says, will provide explanations and context for each aria: “We want the concerts to be accessible, opera is for everyone, it's about real emotion - love, jealousy, anger - things we can all relate to.”

'Opera Unleashed' is at All Saints Church, 30A Vanguard St. on Friday 22 May at 7 pm and Sunday 24 May at 5 pm. Tickets are $20 waged and $15 unwaged available at Red Gallery 1 Bridge St, or door sales on the night. Refreshments will be available for sale during the interval.

ENDS

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