Opera stars marry charity with fame

Eternity Opera is holding a charity performance of Mozart’s The Marriage Of Figaro to support three local charities.

Research For Life, Te Omanga Hospice and Wellington Free Ambulance will share the proceeds from the August 6 performance.

Eternity Opera Director Alex Galvin said the show was a chance to thank the community for its support. ‘‘This is one way we can return that favour by providing three good causes with a share of the night’s ticket proceeds.’’

It was a great way to enjoy a ‘‘red-carpet night out’’ with friends while also supporting three worthwhile charities.

The Marriage Of Figaro is among the world’s best known operas. Set in 18th-century Spain, it takes place on Figaro’s wedding day when he learns that his master, the count, is out to bed his bride-to-be, Susanna

The opera features gorgeous period costumes and designs.

It will be performed in English by some of Wellington’s best singers, including Jamie Henare, Kate Lineham, Roger Wilson and recent Lexus Aria semi-finalist Emily Mwila.

Of the charities involved, Lower Hutt’s Te Omanga Hospice is about to launch a campaign to raise $10 million so it can rebuild its earthquake-prone building.

That address suffered damage in the 2013 Seddon shake. The premises survived last November’s Kaikoura earthquake but the cost of strengthening the site was deemed prohibitive.

Construction of a purpose-built facility is expected to begin later this year, after Te Omanga has relocated to Britannia House in Petone. It paid $1.3m for the temporary home in February.

The Marriage Of Figaro will be staged from August 5-12 at Wellington’s Hannah Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased from eternityopera.co.nz