Events

Opera in the Arboretum Report

Wow! What a wonderful concert this year's Opera in the Arboretum was. My estimate was that the attendance exceeded concerts of the past four years and the vocalists and music were excellent. We also enjoyed the 'walk past' of a huge goanna, the kookaburra sharing the music and the magpies taking it all in. The voice, stage presentation and personality of Amelia Farrugia were delightful and she had the audience in her hands, especially when she did an American impersonation of a previous role. The voices of Baritone David Thelander and Tenor David Kidd blended beautifully with Amelias and Mezzo Soprano Jacqueline Dark's voices. Chris Bearman and the Conservatorium's String Orchestra played Concerto for Strings in D Major by Vivaldi, 'La Toupie' from de'enfants by Bizet and 'Fiddle Faddle' by Anderson as well as accompanying the singers. Accompanist Tamara Anna Cislowska gave a wonderful solo of Concerto No 21 in C Major K 467 (Elvira Madigan) second movemebnt by Mozart and 'Raindrop' and 'Revolutionary' Etudes by Chopin. The weather was perfect and a big thank you to John Greenway and Woy Woy Rotary Club and their sponsors for a lovely concert.

Wyong Musical Theatre Company

Meredith Wilson's The Music Man has been doing auditions for this new show to be performed late May, early June at the Wyong Memorial Hall. Enquiries 4352 1119.

Special Benefit Concert for FOPAP

Many thanks to the U Bouddi Big Band and Brisbane Water Brass Band for the wonderful fund raising concert held 21st March at the Gosford RSL. Thank you also to the RSL for making the auditorium available. It was a perfect example of the need for a performing arts precinct as both bands could not fit on the stage to perform together with musicians having great trouble even to place their instruments in comfortable positions to play. Bring on a Performing Arts Space! The audience fully supported the call for a performing arts precinct when President of FOPAP Peter Brandon talked about the aims and objectives of FOPAP. The first half of the program was performed by U Bouddi Big Band with some terrific foot stamping, hand clapping music. The second half was Birsbane Water Brass Band's turn to keep the mood swinging. For further information on Friends of the performing Arts Precinct, go to their web page www.fopap.org.au It only costs $10 per annum to join. Financial year begins July to July each year, with part payment in the last 3 months of financial year.

35th Cemtral Coast Eisteddfod

The Dance section of Central Coast Eisteddfod starts 7th April at the Performing Arts Studio, Central Coast grammar School, Erina Dance includes all the different styles from classical ballet to musical theatre is showcased in the event. www.centralcoasteisteddfod.com.au The general convenor is Carol McKenna-Robson 0413 131 358

The Rhythm Hut

Wonderful concerts, drumming and yoga workshops are held at this venue 141-145 Erina Street Gosford. They have recently performed at Bondi and festivals around NSW. Phone 4322 5971 m 0420 682 258

Musical Milestones � A Journey Through Music History

by Phillip Rutherford A series of four talks on the History of Music, Illustrated by Live Performances, at Greenway Chapel, Avoca Drive Green Point.
Sunday May 16, 2.30pm
Saturday May 22, 2.30pm
Sunday May 30, 2.30pm
Sunday June 6 , 2.30pm
Book the whole series for $100. Phonme 4324 7477

One-Act Plays Festival

This is an annual festival open to all non-professional theatre groups in Australia, hosted by Wyong Drama Group every June. Plays must be no less than 20 minutes and no more that 60 minutes duration � including set-up and striking of set. Published and original works are permitted. Plays are professionally adjudicated and awards are presented. Organisers are accepting EOI's now. For more information or to send proposals email Ruth Jordon at isarube2@bigpond.com (thanks to Rose Cooper for above information)