Opera in Park with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa & Friends

Opera in the Park with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa & Friends

Tickets go on sale on Friday for the South Island's premier summer musical event, Sealord Opera in the Park with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Friends, at Nelson's Trafalgar Park on February 16.

It is the tenth anniversary of this popular event, with a star studded line up joining Dame Kiri on stage - Simon O'Neill who has established himself as one of today's most sought-after tenors; Jonathan Lemalu, a bass baritone with a commanding presence and a voice that is gaining huge accolades world-wide; and New Zealand's favourite mezzo, Helen Medlyn, with a voice that spans opera to musical theatre. They are accompanied by the Vector Wellington Orchestra with conductor Marc Taddei.

Musical Director and Nelson City Council Community Services Committee Chair Pete Rainey says the line up is drawing nationwide attention.

"Over the past ten years in Nelson we have brought an audience to the delights of opera and this is the culmination," he said. "It gets no better than this show. If you have never been to Opera in the Park before it's time you did, if you are an opera fan book early for the best seat you can afford and if you are from out of town make this the weekend you come to Nelson."

Tickets are priced to make the show accessible to all comers from Gold Patrons to Picnickers. The details are: Gold Patrons - $120 Open air allocated theatre seating closest to the stage with access to corporate hospitality area. Silver Patrons - $90 Open air allocated theatre seating West Grandstand - $90 Covered allocated seating in the new grandstand East Grandstand - $70 Covered bench seating Picnickers - $15 Designated areas for own chairs or rugs on the sports field and embankment.

Cr Rainey said he was very pleased that the seating and pricing structure made the event accessible for everyone, and noted the support of the city council, sponsors and patrons at the upper levels was helping to keep the general tickets affordable.

Tickets will be available on Friday at Everyman Records in Nelson (03 5483083) or on line at www.KiriInNelson.co.nz where you will also find updates on picnic hampers, bus services and more event information.

Sealord Opera in the Park with Dame Kiri and Friends is part of the Nelson Summer Festival, presented by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for locals and an attraction for visitors.

ENDS

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