07 February 2000

Dame Malvina returns for Candlelight Opera Candlelight Opera - Opera at the Movies

8-10pm, Saturday 26 February 2000

North Hagley Park

The popular SummerTimes event, Candlelight Opera will this year again feature renowned New Zealand diva Dame Malvina Major. Appearing alongside Dame Malvina will be celebrated Australian bass Stephen Bennett and the concert will be conducted by Brian Law.

Dame Malvina last appeared at this event four years ago and organisers are delighted the Candlelight Opera will again feature an artist of her calibre who is a huge favourite with local audiences.

Organisers are also excited about the innovatively themed direction of the event. "For the first time in its seven-year history, the programme for the Candlelight Opera concert has been based around a single theme – Opera at the Movies," Michelle Beckett said. The two-hour show will feature pieces from popular 20^th century movies including Apocalypse Now, My Left Foot, Driving Miss Daisy, Moonstruck, The Godfather and Life is Beautiful."

Accompanying Dame Malvina Major and Stephen Bennett on stage will be emerging soloists Brendon Mercer (Tenor), Sally McGregor (Mezzo), and Ramonda Taleni (Soprano). The concert, compered by Richard Westlake, will also feature the 50-strong Christchurch Symphony led by concertmaster Jan van den Berg, 30 members of the Canterbury Opera Chorus and 32 members of Canterbury Opera Youth.

"As in past years the audience will be invited to become a part of the show by lighting candles as dusk falls, adding to the overall atmosphere," said Beckett.

Candles, programmes, food and refreshments will all be available at Hagley Park. If wet the event will be held at the same time on Sunday 27 February.

Candlelight Opera - Opera at the Movies is produced by Christchurch City Council Leisure in association with Canterbury Opera and is supported by The Community Trust and The George Hotel.

Michelle Beckett, Events Team Leader, phone (03) 941 8842 or (025) 740 585.