Milestone with musical sparks

Whether it was Tami Neilson in full soul mode or a sea of cellphones lighting up the night sky, Nelson’s Opera in the Park showed that it still hits the right notes after 20 years.

The popular musical showcase returned to Trafalgar Park this year after a temporary shift to Saxton Oval in 2018, with an estimated crowd of more than 6000 taking in the sun and an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic sounds.

The large crowd were entertained by Nelson City Brass pre-show before the main portion of the evening got underway.

Accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Neilson and Opshop’s Jason Kerrison headlined the contemporary aspect of the evening, while baritone Joel Amosa, soprano Eliza Boom and tenor Jarod Holt enthralled the audience with songs by Puccini, Bizet and Mozart as well as the modern works of Elmer Bernstein, Ennio Morricone and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Musical director Pete Rainey said it was a pleasure to see the event return to Trafalgar Park, and the audience’s response to the performers and the NZSO had been ‘‘truly thrilling’’.

With most of Nelson’s reserves closed due to increasing fire risk, and a ban on fireworks imposed by Fire and Emergency NZ across the region, the Nelson City Council decided not to go ahead with the traditional fireworks display at the end of the show.

However, the waving of cellphones in the darkness offered an illuminating substitute, especially during an audience singalong of the Beatles classic Hey Jude for the evening’s finale.

With more than five thousand tickets sold, Nelson Opera in the Park 2020 united families and people of all ages for an evening of music and song.

The rich voice of baritone Niuafolau Joel Amosa filled Trafalgar Park during a performance that drew much praise.

Zoe Burgess, Blake Burgess and Chase Burgess were among those who arrived at the park early to bag a good spot.

Jane Linn, Alfie Linn and Sal Randall prepare to enjoy the music.

New Zealand soprano Eliza Boom performs.

Nelson young talent Reece Milton was given the job of opening the show, and rose to the occasion in style.