Proceeds to helicopter and Rotary charities

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy will host its fourth Opera in the Arboretum in Pearl Beach on Saturday, March 28.

Event coordinator Mr John Greenway said the community had the opportunity to enjoy opera under the trees at the Crommelin Native Arboretum from 3pm.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Telstra Child Flight Helicopter and various Rotary charities.

"The event will include lyric tenor Ben Makisi who made his debut last October to rave reviews and standing ovation in Lucia at the Sydney Opera House," said Mr Greenway.

"Not only has Ben performed at the Sydney Opera House, but has sung in Italy, Spain, New York, Berlin and the USA.

"He will sing arias from La Boheme and Rigoletto.

"Mezzo soprano Daniella Ehrlich, who is based in England, has been invited to perform at the Arboretum.

"She has made a name for herself the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA. "Daniella will sing arias from Puccini, Mozart and Verdi.

"Shannon Foley, a great baritone, studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the Royal College of Music in London.

"He returned to Australia to perform in Opera Australia's production on Btitten's Billy Budd.

"He continues to share his time between Australia and Europe."

Mr Greenway said the community was thrilled to welcome Pearl Beach resident Ms Michaele Archer to perform at the annual event.

"Pearl Beach's very own soprano Michaele Archer has worked with Opera Australia, Australian Theatre for Young People and The Martinis," Mr Greenway said.

"Recently she performed at the Opera in the Cathedral at the majestic Jenolan Caves.

"Accompanying the singers will be Jem Harding, who has returned due to popular demand from being the pianist last year.

"He won the Outstanding Accompanist at the Mietta National Art Song Award in Melbourne and was a finalist in the international piano competition The Concurs D"Andorra in Spain.

"Guest artist on the cello will be Rachel Whealy, a really wonderful musician.

"Local talent will not be forgotten, with the Central Coast Conservatorium String Orchestra accompanying the artists in a number of songs.

"This is a group of wonderful talented young musicians from the area who played at the event last year and was greatly enjoyed by the rapt audience."

Mr Greenway said all visitors and community members were welcome to attend.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own picnic, drinks and chairs.

Tickets start from $15 for children and $45 for adults.

For bookings and more information, phone 4341 6004.

"As on previous years, it is not necessary to be an opera buff to appreciate this gig, anybody who loves to listen to great singers will enjoy the event," Mr Greenway said.

Press release, 12 Feb 2009 John Greenway, Rotary Club of Woy Woy