Opera in the Outback at Undara

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Thu 08 Oct 2015 - Sat 10 Oct 2015

Opera Bites are at it again, presenting not one, but two operas on Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th of October in the breathtaking surroundings of the Undara Volcanic National Park in Tropical North Queensland. This is an event not to be missed.



On Friday 9th October – "History of Opera"

This exciting 90-minute program of arias, duets and ensembles traces the history of Opera in its entirety, from 1600s to the present day. This is a specially tailored show, written by Murray Dahm, which uses the music of numerous operatic composers to illustrate a beautiful array of operatic arias and ensembles.



The entire cast sing various numbers rather than portraying a character. The cast members are:

• Soprano - Rae Levien
• Mezzo - Keara Donohoe
• Tenor - Peter-John Layton
• Baritone - Rik Dawson
• Bass - Murray Dahm
• Pianist - Zsuzsa Giczy
• Narrator - Murray Dahm

For more information on each of the cast click here.

Expect to hear your favourites, unearth some new ones and come across familiar composers! This will be all performed in typical Opera Bites style.

On Saturday 10th October – "Don Pasquale"

This will be comic opera at its best! A vivacious romp through mistaken identity in one of Donizetti's most brilliant and popular operas. Young and old will delight in this farcical tale of Don Pasquale's attempts to secure a wife and disinherit his nephew, Ernesto.

Mischievous Dr Maletesta is on hand to ensure that feisty Norina marries the man of her dreams. Jam-packed with melodic and memorable tunes, it features many of the opera world's most cherished arias and ensembles and has something for everyone.

This opera will be performed in English. This fully costumed performance is complete in 90 minutes.

The cast members are:

• Norina - Rae Levien
• Ernesto - Peter-John Layton
• Don Pasquale - Murray Dahm
• Doctor Maletesta - Rik Dawson
• Servant / Notary - Keara Donohoe
• Pianist - Zsuzsa Giczy

There are very few experiences that will stay with you for your entire lifetime but Opera in the Outback is one that will! This internationally renowned event has been running annually for over a decade and has been enjoyed by thousands of people.

A specifically designed outdoor amphitheatre, Ooramin Place, ensures people enjoy world class entertainment as the burnt oranges of a beautiful Outback sunset fades into the clearest starlit night.

Opera Bites are a boutique opera company specialising in fully costumed miniature operas, as well as dinner theatre and concerts of opera and lighter repertoire.Their format of condensed operas offers an engaging performance that is accessible to the newcomer yet fresh and alive for the seasoned opera-goer.

Click here to view a short YouTube clip.

UNDARA VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

Is set in the Gulf Savannah country which is as ancient as the continent itself. The Undara Lava Tubes stand as silent sentinels to our pre-history and it is here you can walk in the path of a volcano, explore natural geological wonders and check out the wildlife sf enjoy the comforts and hospitality of the unique place called Undara.



It's a place where you can go bush walking, mountain bike riding, sit around the campfire and listen to tall tales and music and enjoy Aussie food at the Fettlers Iron Pot Bistro, a fully licensed bistro where you can enjoy authentic country cooking and Outback hospitality. Or relax in the ambience of Undara Central and the bushland setting with a game of pool and a coffee with friends at the Saloon Car.

ACCOMODATION

If it's accommodation you are after, Undara has plenty of it. You can pitch a tent or set up the caravan or camper trailer at their caravan park or hire one of their Swag Tents where you can experience camping while not having to rough it.



Maybe you would like try out one of their Beautifully restored turn of the century railway carriages or one of their The Pioneers Huts which are fully air-conditioned with bathrooms and equip with a private veranda.

To check out the accommodation and to book, click here for more information.

TOURS

While you are up at Undara going to see the crew of Opera Bites, you may like to extend your stay and go on the Active Explorer tour to the Undara Lava Tubes or go on a Sunset tour and check out the amazing sunsets and wildlife.



For more information on what this is to do while at Undara, click here.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Now this will depend on where you live, as you could be like me and live in Sydney. So if we were going to , I would plan to go for a week or two, so that I could take in what the Savannah Way has to offer.

If you live interstate, you could fly to either Cairns or Townsville, hire a car and drive to Undara, where you could stay in one of the Railway Carriages with an ensuite or a Pioneer Hut.

For more information on how to get to Undara, click here.

While there, you could enjoy one of their Bush Breakfast, have a light lunch at the Saloon Car and then finish off with dinner at the Fettlers Iron Pot Bistro. Or maybe you could take your own food and have a cook out at one of the BBQs at the campground.



Now, remember that the tickets and accommodation are going fast for this experience of Opera in the Outback.



So if you would like to go, you will need to contact Undara reservations for all accommodation and ticket bookings on 1800 990 992 or by email at [email protected]. Visit www.undara.com.au for full details. Bookings are essential.

If you would like to learn more about the Undara Experience, a few hours west of Townsville, click here to check out the YouTube clip put together by This is Queensland.

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#october
!date 08/10/2015 -- 10/10/2015
%wnbrisbane