Have a picnic… and your opera too!

Opera lovers get a chance to hear some of New Zealand’s finest and well-known opera singers perform opera favourites in an outdoor concert at the glorious Ayrlies Gardens, Whitford at 2.00pm on Sunday 12th February 2006 (gates open 11am).

Benjamin Fifita Makisi and Kate Spence perform at Summer Opera at Ayrlies in 2005.

Summer Opera at Ayrlies is an afternoon open-air event featuring popular arias and ensembles performed by renowned Auckland singers Patricia Wright, Grant Dickson and Carmel Carroll with Benjamin Fifita Makisi and Morag Atchison, accompanied by pianist, Rosemary Barnes.

Organised by Auckland Friends of the Opera as a fundraiser for The NBR New Zealand Opera, audience members can bring their own deck-chairs, rugs and cushions, as well as their own picnic. Hampers are also available through the opera company at time of booking.

This is the fourth year the Auckland Friends have staged Summer Opera at Ayrlies, which is fast becoming a regular highlight of the opera calendar. Last year's event was attended by 600 people and this year the organizers hope to better that number.

“Ayrlies Gardens is a wonderful setting for experiencing opera," says Donald Trott, Acting General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera. "It is a relaxing way to enjoy a summer's afternoon as people eat, drink and celebrate the gardens at their best while taking in some of our best opera talent."

Summer Opera at Ayrlies - Sunday 12th February. Gates open at 11.00am to view the gardens, prior to the concert commencing at 2.00pm.

Tickets: $55/adult and $25/child. Pre-bookings through The NBR New Zealand Opera on (09) 379 4068. Limited gate sales are available on the day.

Ends.

© Scoop Media