New acts announced for Nelson Opera in the Park

New acts announced for Nelson Opera in the Park

Media release: 30 January 2012

With Nelson Opera in the Park coming up in just over two weeks on Saturday 16 February, further exceptional acts have been added to the line up.

Wellington opera tenor Tom Atkins, who sang with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings Symphony, and Nelson jazz singer Trudi Wilson, will join the line up at Trafalgar Park at one of Nelson’s biggest events of the year.

Headlining this year’s Opera in the Park is rising international soprano star Madeleine Pierard and her mezzo-soprano sister Anna Pierard, and New Zealand favourites Don McGlashan and Julia Deans, all supported by accomplished conductor Marc Taddei and Orchestra Wellington.

Musical Director Pete Rainey says it’s a real coup to have successfully attracted the Pierard sisters to perform at Opera in the Park.

“Madeleine is getting a big reputation internationally and has just completed a two year residency with The Royal Opera at Covent Garden, which is no mean feat. Anna is also establishing herself as one to watch. Last year both sisters featured together in a much celebrated 10-centre tour throughout the country.”

Julia Deans and Don McGlashan need no introduction, and have a great rapport with Nelson audiences, says Mr Rainey.

“Their performance at the Nelson Arts Festival last year went down as one of the best. They love performing here in Nelson. Julia Deans is breaking out of her winery tour especially for us so we feel very honoured and lucky to have her. We’ll be asking them to perform together on stage just as they did at the arts festival.”

Pre-show entertainment starts from 5.30pm with some of our country’s finest female singers and entertainers; Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch and Jackie Clarke in The Ladykillers.

Summer Festivals Director Sophie Kelly encourages people to get organised for the night with it being just a few weeks away.

“Everyone should make a plan with a group of friends or family, get their tickets booked and head along early on show night to grab a great possie.”

Unlike some other summertime concerts, Opera in the Park’s very reasonable ticket prices make it unique, says Ms Kelly.

“Where else can you enjoy world class performers in a wonderful picnic atmosphere for the price of a movie ticket? It’s exceptional value for money.”

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children aged 5 – 15, and under 5s are free.

As in previous years, concert goers will experience a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the show, thanks to the generous support of Combat Pyrotechnic and Zumo Coffee.

Tickets are on sale at Everyman Records, 249 Hardy Street, phone 03 548 3083, or book online at www.everyman.co.nz. Booking fees apply.

Opera in the Park is presented by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for locals and an added attraction for visitors.

Ends

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