Opera proceeds go to Rotary and youth services

Proceeds from Opera in the Arboretum at Pearl Beach on Saturday, March 25, will support Rotary and local youth services.

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy will donate money raised through the 12th annual event to the Rotary Foundation, to Rotary Health and to the local Regional Youth Support Service.

Rotary Foundation helped advance world understanding, goodwill and peace, said Rotary organiser Mr John Greenway.

Rotary Health was one of the largest independent funders of mental health research in Australia.

He said a large audience was held spell bound by the top-class Australian artists' rendition of popular arias and classic musical pieces.

The Central Coast Chamber Orchestra played Dido and Aeneas Overture under the baton of Central Coast Conservatorium of Music director Mr Patrick Brennan to open the day.

Top of the bill, Mr David Hobson, sang a number of arias and received a standing ovation for The Holy City, one of his specialities.

Returning for the second time, Ms Sally-Anne Russell, sang unaccompanied She Moved through the Fair.

Baritone Mr Andrew Jones, had the crowd clapping to The Toreador Song while local soprano Ms Michaele Archer sang arias by Handel and Puccini.

Special guest, cellist Ms Sally Maer, played some Celtic classics from her third album.

Returning for the second time, pianist Francis Greep accompanied the artists to much applause from the audience and the artists.

The second half began with Amazing Grace with local bagpipe player Robbie Szafranek, Sally Maer on the cello with Sally-Anne Russell and David Hobson singing.

The Central Coast Chamber Orchestra with Patrick Brennan was acknowledged for their promotion of local youth with their youngest player being 10 years old.

SOURCE: Media release, 26 Mar 2017

John Greenway, Rotary Club Woy Woy