Media Release
07 February 2000
Dame Malvina returns for Candlelight Opera
Candlelight Opera - Opera at the Movies
8-10pm, Saturday 26 February 2000
North Hagley Park
The popular SummerTimes event, Candlelight Opera will this year again feature renowned New Zealand diva Dame Malvina
Major. Appearing alongside Dame Malvina will be celebrated Australian bass Stephen Bennett and the concert will be
conducted by Brian Law.
Dame Malvina last appeared at this event four years ago and organisers are delighted the Candlelight Opera will again
feature an artist of her calibre who is a huge favourite with local audiences.
Organisers are also excited about the innovatively themed direction of the event. "For the first time in its seven-year
history, the programme for the Candlelight Opera concert has been based around a single theme - Opera at the Movies,"
Michelle Beckett said. The two-hour show will feature pieces from popular 20th century movies including Apocalypse Now,
My Left Foot, Driving Miss Daisy, Moonstruck, The Godfather and Life is Beautiful."
Accompanying Dame Malvina Major and Stephen Bennett on stage will be emerging soloists Brendon Mercer (Tenor), Sally
McGregor (Mezzo), and Ramonda Taleni (Soprano). The concert, compered by Richard Westlake, will also feature the
50-strong Christchurch Symphony led by concertmaster Jan van den Berg, 30 members of the Canterbury Opera Chorus and 32
members of Canterbury Opera Youth.
"As in past years the audience will be invited to become a part of the show by lighting candles as dusk falls, adding to
the overall atmosphere," said Beckett.
Candles, programmes, food and refreshments will all be available at Hagley Park. If wet the event will be held at the
same time on Sunday 27 February.
Candlelight Opera - Opera at the Movies is produced by Christchurch City Council Leisure in association with Canterbury
Opera and is supported by The Community Trust and The George Hotel.
ENDS.
For more information contact: Michelle Beckett, Events Team Manager, ph (03) 371 1842
or (025) 740 585.