Opera buffs expected at arboretum

Hundreds of opera enthusiasts are expected to descend on a usually-quiet bush sanctuary at Pearl Beach for the fifth annual Opera in the Arboretum on March 20.

The annual event will feature Ms Amelia Farrugia, according to event publicity officer Ms Vicki de Carle.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy, the event aims to raise money for local organisations and charities in need of financial assistance.

Ms de Carle said the group hoped to exceed last year's fundraising amount of more than $18,000 which was expected to attract around 800 people to Pearl Beach.

"The youth of the Central Coast are well represented and add a lovely feel to the event," Ms de Carle said.

"The Central Coast Conservatorium String Orchestra with an average age of 17 has been a regular highlight for the audience.

"Not only do they delight the audience with their skills, talents and enthusiasm, the Opera in the Arboretum gives these wonderful young musicians of the Central Coast a chance to perform with outstanding international musicians.

"David Kidd, Jacqueline Dark and David Thelander will join Amelia Farrugia in a series of wonderful arias."

She said audience members were welcome to bring along a rug, picnic, and wine while relaxing and enjoying the sounds of Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and more, performed by internationally renowned opera singers.

Event organiser Mr John Greenway of Pearl Beach said although the first Opera in the Arboretum took place in 2006, he had been thinking about the idea of an event of its kind for some years.

"In 2002, whilst visiting a Rotarian friend in Stanthorpe, Queensland, I was told about a project that his Rotary club runs," Mr Greenway said.

"It was an Opera in the Vineyards and they were able to donate a great deal of money to local charities through this event.

"I had assisted with the Jazz in the Arboretum in Pearl Beach and reckoned that an opera in the same venue would be fantastic.

"We held the first gig on March 4, 2006.

"This was such a success that we were able to donate $8000 to the Pearl Beach Rural Fire Service.

"Because of the special ambience of the Pearl Beach Arboretum, our opera here has gained a real status and we will continue holding this event into the future."

For information about the Rotary Opera in the Arboretum at Pearl Beach, contact John Greenway on 4341 6004 or visit www.opera.pearl-beach.com

Press release, 4 Mar 2010 Vicki de Carle, Rotary Club of Woy Woy Website, 4 Mar 2010 John Greenway, Pearl Beach Opera in the Arboretum