Wine country’s opera

Returning from a two year hiatus, Opera in the Vineyards will throw open the gates at Roche Estate at 4pm on October 8.

Guests will wander the picturesque surrounds, wine glasses in hand, until 7pm when conductor Brian Castles-Onion, the Metropolitan Orchestra and the first of four celebrated singers take the stage.

Highlights of the bill include renditions of Madame Butterfly,  and Nessum Dorma and the event will wrap up at 9.45pm.

Since beginning in 1996 at the historic Wyndham Estate Winery, almost 100,000 people have converged into the beautiful Hunter Valley for an evening of passionate and romance. 

The stars of the show, the singers, will be sopranos Natalie Aroyan, Greta Bradman, star tenor David Hobson, together with special guest international tenor Richard Troxell from the USA.

Mr Castles-Onion will compere proceedings in his own inimitable way and present a programme of romantic arias, duets and comic ensembles by the great composers Mozart, Puccini and Verdi.

Promoter Paul Chesher, speaking to Fairfax Media in june, said the opera was a different beast than the high-profile rock shows that had come to the Hunter in recent years.

“It’s a beautiful art-form that’s continued for centuries. The hairs on the back of your neck just stand up,” he said.

“And having that in the vineyards will be something truly special.”

In a release, organisers said the event isn’t just for seasoned opera fans – it serves as an introduction to the spectacle, atmosphere and world of the art.

“Even the ‘opera-shy’ will be familiar with these unforgettable masterpieces, brought to vibrant life with a full orchestra under the stars,” the release said.

Buy tickets online at http://www.operainthevineyards.com.au/