Opera under the stars is celebrating 30 years of stunning opera performances, under the twinkling Broome sky in the north west.
The milestone, August 27, will be marked by a 30th Anniversary Gala featuring music from master opera composers plus lighter songs to dazzle and delight audience members.
For guests, attending it will be an unforgettable night of glamour and music in a magical setting.
Director Mary-Attracta Connolly said that the Gala is designed to entertain, enthral and excite audiences of all ages.
“It’s a fantastic opera experience for everyone, the perfect combination of unpretentious luxury in the lush gardens of Mangrove Hotel overlooking Broome’s majestic Roebuck Bay and the exquisite pleasure of being serenaded by a stellar cast of international stars,” Ms Connolly said.
The 30th gala includes performances from Yorta Yorta composer, Deborah Cheetham AO, (soprano), Rachelle Durkin, (soprano), Caitlin Cassidy, (mezzo-soprano) and Paul O’Neill, (tenor) together with Mark Coughlan (pianist).
“We’re honoured and humbled to have been supported by opera lovers, Broome locals and performers, local, state and national businesses also, in the early years Arts WA and Healthway, for the past 30 years – we’re absolutely thrilled to be celebrating with everyone,” Ms Connolly said.
“We’ve all been through so much in the past two years, particularly those in the arts, so this year’s anniversary Gala feels more poignant than ever.
“Fittingly, 30 years is traditionally celebrated with pearls and here we are, in the middle of the most beautiful pearl country in the world.”
It was a chance meeting during a family holiday in Broome that led to a collaboration and the first Opera Under the Stars.
The inaugural concert was held at the Mangrove Hotel in Broome in September 1993 featuring Mary-Attracta Connolly (soprano) and Fergus H Anderson (baritone) performing with Jennifer Warren (pianist) and Broome musician, Guy Ghouse (guitarist).
Since its beginnings, Opera Under the Stars has enjoyed a strong connection with the wonderful music of Broome and especially the music of Broome musician, composer and playwright, Jimmy Chi (1948–2017), of Bran Nue Dae and Corrugation Road fame.
Selections of Chi’s songs have been featured at every year since 1993 and have become special favourites with the audience.
“It’s a wonderful evening of musical entertainment sprinkled with fun, and the perfect occasion to don your silk and pearls, or dress Kimberley casual for a brilliant night out – and we expect it to sell out again this year,” said Connolly.
Tickets and travel packages to the Opera Under the Stars Anniversary Gala are on sale now from www.operaunderthestars.com.au.
