The skies may have opened but that did not stop hundreds of poncho-wearing music-lovers coming out to support our Central Coast Conservatorium musicians and teachers at Opera in the Arboretum in Pearl Beach.
Playing alongside world-class opera stars Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Sally-Anne Russell, Clarissa Spato and Andrew Goodwin and acclaimed violin soloist Madeleine Easton – under the baton of Central Coast Con Artistic Director Patrick Brennan – the 18 Central Coast Con students and alumni were accompanied by guest musicians to form the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra led by concertmaster Kaito Deed. They were also accompanied by Opera Australia pianist Kate Johnson for the event on Saturday 29 March.
The annual Opera in the Arboretum event was organised by Woy Woy Rotary and Central Coast Con vocal teacher Michaele Archer, who was MC for the day alongside fellow Con vocal teacher Tim Page.
New Zealand tenor superstar, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, congratulated the orchestra on their performance after the event.
“Everyone was simply wonderful. The hospitality, the organisation and the event itself were all fabulous. To Patrick and the Chamber Orchestra, congratulations – Superb! Despite all the rain, it didn’t dampen the event or anyone’s spirits and the positivity and optimism made the whole weekend very special. I feel privileged and thankful to be a part of it.”
Opera in the Arboretum Creative Director, Michaele Archer, also paid tribute to the orchestra and Conservatorium staff and volunteers who helped on the day.
“Congratulations and a huge thank to the orchestra and their wonderful performance. The orchestra played their heart out and were just amazing!”
