Bush opera
MUSIC lovers from across the state’s west are in for a sensory feast when when Macquarie Conservatorium stages Opera at Dundullimal on May 16.
The event coincides with the National Trust celebrating 75 years in operation (postponed from 2020) and Dundullimal Homestead will have an open day on the Saturday followed by the alfresco opera the next day, so it’s set to be a special weekend for the National Trust in the city.
Dundullimal Homestead is believed to be the oldest surviving slab house in Australia, with the original house, sandstone stables, timber church, and shed a living illustration of historic rural life on an isolated property.
Macquarie Conservatorium director Vivienne Winther said the concert will feature popular hits from operas and musicals performed by three outstanding opera singers.
“What’s really special about this event is the setting – you can enjoy your favourite opera moments while relaxing with friends over a picnic, in the beautiful grounds of Dundullimal Homestead,” Ms Winther said.
Opera at Dundullimal is a partnership between Macquarie Conservatorium and Dundullimal Homestead, with the local organisations bringing their strengths together for a return of this outdoor event.
“We presented Opera at Dundullimal
in 2017 and 2019. It received a very enthusiastic response from local audiences and attracted quite a few visitors to Dubbo, so it’s great to be back for a third time,” she said.
“Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19, and it was also meant to be part of the celebrations for the National Trust’s 75th anniversary. So that celebration has been moved to this year and we’re delighted Opera at Dundullimal is part of the National Trust’s anniversary weekend in Dubbo.”
Gates open from 12.30pm, so the audience can enjoy Dundullimal Homestead and its lovely gardens for the whole afternoon. People are encouraged to bring their friends and family, chairs or a rug, and relax with their own picnic lunch and BYO drinks, or purchase afternoon tea refreshments on site.
“We’ve programmed some extra local entertainment this year, with the Macquarie Big Band performing some swinging tunes to get everyone in the mood at 1.00pm,” Ms Winther said.
At 2pm, visiting opera singers Rebecca Collins, Rachael Duncan and Rohan Thatcher from Canberra will be joined by Vivienne Winther in her role pianist in a delightful program of operatic excerpts from around the world.
The three singers have performed extensively as soloists for Opera Australia, Opera Queensland and Oz Opera, and internationally for opera companies in England, Ireland and Germany.
Soprano Rebecca Collins told Dubbo Photo news that as part of this year’s concert there are several popular hits that regularly make the Top 100 opera lists.
“The Toreador’s Song and the Habanera from Carmen, the Flower Duet from Lakmé, and one of my favourites, ‘O mio babbino caro’ by Puccini,” she said.
Well-known arias and duets from operas by Mozart also feature, and new this year, music by composer Handel will open the concert, including a special performance of Let the Bright Seraphim for soprano and trumpet.
Soprano Rachael Duncan said this piece was performed by Dame Kiri te Kanawa at the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
“For our performance, I’m joined by a new staff member of
Macquarie Conservatorium, Malcolm Liddell,” she said.
“Malcolm Liddell is a very experienced trumpet soloist, appearing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Baroque Orchestra, so this virtuoso duet will be a highlight.”
The concert moves on to lighter music from operetta, musicals and movies, including songs from The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, The Pirates of Penzance, Oklahoma, Porgy and Bess and the haunting theme from The Mission, Gabriel’s Oboe, arranged for soprano as Nella fantasia.
Opera at Dundullimal is on Sunday 16 May at Dundullimal Homestead, with gates open from 12.30pm and opera concert starting at 2.00pm. Book online at 123tix.com.au