Rotary club signs top tenor
The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has signed New Zealand's top tenor Ben Makisi for the eighth Opera in the Arboretum at Pearl Beach on Saturday, March 23.
Mr Makisi was born in Wellington and graduated with a Master of Performance (Opera) with a high distinction from the Sydney Conservatorium and a Bachelor of Music from Victoria University Wellington.
He has performed alongside Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and has performed with Dame Malvina Major, Sir Donald McIntyre and the late Sir Howard Marrison.
He has also sung at the State funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary.
Joining him will be mezzo soprano Dominica Matthews.
Ms Matthews is currently a principal artist with Opera Australia and this year sung Suzuki, Rosina, Cherubino (Helpmann Award nomination) and Lucienne (Die tote Stadt) for Opera Australia.
The baritone is the active Dallas Watts, an artist who has performed in over 35 operas.
His most recent performances this year have been in five productions including Turandot, Aida and Opera on Sydney Harbour.
He is no stranger to big outdoor events and was the baritone opening soloist at the inaugural Opera in the Dish in Parkes.
Rounding off the four singers is well known Pearl Beach soprano Michaele Archer.
Michaele has been associated with the Opera in the Arboretum since its inception in 2006 and has performed on two previous occasions.
"Over the past four years, we have been lucky to have the wonderful young Central Coast Conservatorium String Orchestra," said organiser Mr John Greenway.
"They will return next year joining the popular pianist Jem Harding to accompanying the singers," he said.
Funds raised will go to Guide Dogs NSW-ACT and Rotary Charities.
Tickets will be available in December.
Media release, 12 Nov 2012
John Greenway, Opera in the Arboretum