OPERA superstar Teddy Tahu Rhodes will be honouring a promise when he performs in two Opera in the Paddock concerts in Armidale and at “Mimosa” Delungra in April.
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Baritone Tahu Rhodes was poised to appear at last year’s Paddock concert when an extreme weather event with strong winds and lightning struck. Conditions were deemed too dangerous to proceed and the audience was asked to leave immediately.
“He was as devastated as we all were and promised on the spot that despite his tight schedule he would return this year,“ said Opera North West Artistic Director, Peta Blyth.
“He is at the height of his career and is in demand from opera houses throughout the world. It is such a generous gesture and after much rearranging, we have worked together for a positive outcome for our regional audiences.”
“He truly is an extraordinary performer - not only vocally but his dramatic presence.
“It is a one off opportunity in this region.”
The first concert will be at Lazenby Hall, UNE at 7pm on April 1 followed by a performance in the paddock at Mimosa, 25 kilometres west of Inverell at 4.30pm.
Tahu Rhodes will perform not only grand opera but a full gamut of musical styles, including the ever popular Rossini’s Largo al Factotum, Mozart’s Non piu andrai, King Philip’s aria from Don Carlos, several operatic ensembles as well as Stars, and Some Enchanted Evening.
He will be joined on stage by outstanding tenor Bradley Daley, sopranos Elizabeth Lewis and Peta Blyth with the Mimosa Orchestra conducted by Timothy Sexton led by Jennifer Nickson, Deputy Leader Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London.
Ms Blyth says the decision to stage two concerts this year was to offer more opportunities for opera lovers in the region to attend.
“We have such a wide geographical spread and it is easier for people if they do not have to travel too far,” she said. “Holding the Paddock concert in the afternoon rather than the evening means that people coming from long distances can drive home earlier.”
Prior to the concert in Armidale, audience members may book for canapés and drinks at Booloominba and at Mimosa, for post opera canapés and desserts.
For bookings and inquiries visit the website www.operainthepaddock.com.au or call 1800 240 301.
