Pearl Beach opera raises $27,500

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has raised more than $27,500 at the fifth annual Opera in the Arboretum on March 21.

Club director of public relations Mr Tony Cameron said funds raised from the event would assist local community transport and other Rotary charities and projects.

"There was great support from both local opera lovers and those from as far away as Young, some 450 kilometres south west of Pearl Beach," Mr Cameron said.

"The main attraction of the event was Amelia Farrugia, one of Australia's best loved sopranos.

"Fresh from her lead role as Manon in Massenet's Manon she dazzled the audience with O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini and the Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus.

"Her rendition of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from the Phantom of the Opera gave her a standing ovation.

"Baritone David Thelander sang the Toreador Song from Carmen and performed a great duet La Ci Darem la Mano with mezzo soprano Jacqueline Dark.

"Jacqueline's singing of Can't Stop Lovin' dat Man was a real hit.

"David Kidd, formerly of the Ten Tenors, came all the way from Queensland and opened his repertoire with Madamina, il Catalogo e Questro from Don Giovanni.

"The Rotary Club was very also lucky to have Tamara Anna Cislowska as the pianist.

"She is one of the best known and awarded Australian pianists of her generation and thrilled the audience with her exciting performance.

"Meanwhile, the local community was represented by the Central Coast Conservatorium String Orchestra conducted by Chris Bearman.

"This young group of talented musicians was a wonderful asset to the event and greatly appreciated by, not only the stars of the show, but also the audience."

Press release, 7 Apr 2010 Tony Cameron, Woy Woy Rotary Club