Opera sure to hit right note

A lavish night of food, wine and opera will be held next month as part of celebrations for the 55th Derby Boab Festival.

Opera Under the Boabs is a magical gala event presented by DBF that is set to serenade, tantalise and entertain audiences.

The event features soprano Mary-Attracta Connolly, mezzo-soprano Monique Simone, baritone Mark Alderson and pianist Tommaso Pollio, who will lead the evening of live opera under Derby’s majestic boabs.

Well known as director and co-producer of Opera Under The Stars, Connolly performs frequently with the West Australian Opera and sang the role of Aunt in the internationally-celebrated production of Madama Butterfly, directed by the late Anthony Minghella for the UWA Perth International Arts Festival.

Alderson, also from WAO, most recently performed the role of Betto in the hilarious Opera in the Park production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.

Rising star and WAAPA graduate, Simone, is delighted to be making her Kimberley debut alongside Connolly and Alderson.

The singers will be joined on stage by superb chamber musician, Pollio, renowned for his virtuosic skill on the keyboard.

The performance will include a smorgasbord of subliminal sounds and gems from the opera repertoire including the magnificent trio, Soave sia il vento, from Mozart’s Così van tutte, the rousing Toreador song from Bizet’s Carmen and the all time favourite, Lakme Duet, from Delibes opera Lakme.

It will also include some lighter songs to make audiences smile, swing and swoon.

Derby Boab Festival president Bill Hart said festival committee members were always trying to come up with a new event to keep DBF fresh and interesting and said Opera Under the Boabs would be a real treat this year.

“It’s different for Derby,” he said.

“We’ve had opera before a few years ago, but this will be something fresh for the community.”

Mr Hart said Opera under the Boabs was accessible for all people and promised to be an unforgettable night.

“You don’t have to particularly be an opera buff to enjoy it,” he said.

“It will be great fun.”

He said the event would be presented as a gala event, with ticket holders encouraged to dress in their finest to enjoy a night of good food, good wine and top-class entertainment.

Mr Hart also took the opportunity to thank festival committee members, particularly Gayle Martin, for their hard work in presenting this event to the town.

Opera under the Boabs will be held at the Derby Turf Club on Saturday, May 28. Gates open at 6.30pm with the show starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available to purchase at the Derby Visitor Centre on 9191 1426. Package deals are also available through the Spinifex Hotel.

For more information, visit www.boabfestival.org.au.