Big names join anniversary celebration
It might be called Opera in the Park, but don’t let the ‘‘O’’ word put you off, says musical director Pete Rainey. ‘‘It’s just a name . . . there’s a range of material.’’
The twilight concert is set to wow thousands next weekend, in its 20th year of entertaining families under the stars.
Headlining the contemporary aspect of the show will be the distinctive voices of country-soul singer Tami Neilson and OpShop’s Jason Kerrison. Rainey said Neilson was an ‘‘amazing’’ singer and character.
‘‘I’m thrilled she’s going to be on stage with an orchestra. It’s something very different for her.’’
At the core of the event were the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and some ‘‘fabulous up-and-coming opera stars’’, Rainey said. ‘‘I think they’re going to deliver a really, really great performance.’’
To celebrate the two-decade milestone, he said, there would be ‘‘a bit of a surprise for the final number – it’s going to be a bit of fun’’.
Originally a small community event, Opera in the Park is put on by the Nelson
City Council. Pre-concert entertainment by Nelson City Brass will warm up the audience at Trafalgar Park. Council sports and recreation committee chair, councillor Tim Skinner, said Opera in the Park just kept getting better and better. ‘‘[It] is something everyone should experience, whether they’re an opera fan or not – it really is a great night out.’’
Opera in the Park, Trafalgar Park, Saturday, February 15, 7.30pm-10pm. Tickets, adults $25, children aged 5-15 $5 from ticketrocket.co.nz.