Category Archives: Uncategorized

May 21 2012

New photos from Opera in the Amphitheatre – May 2012

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By Operatif - opera and song
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May 21 2012

And a couple more

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May 16 2012

From Rugby to Royalty! – Media Release

Benjamin Makisi is a true ‘singer for the people,’ one who’ll never turn down an engagement if there is a willing audience wishing to hear him. Even with a busy career, he has managed to stay close to his beloved Rugby, on countless occasions, singing the pre-match anthem for the All Blacks.

 

 As a young lad New Zealand-born, Tongan tenor, Benjamin Makisi had to choose his life path…Was it to be his beloved rugby or a career as a singer, utilising a gift of rare vocal beauty. He chose the latter and has never looked back. Just recently he has partnered Dame Kiri te Kanawa in concert for a second time. Both invitations have come directly from the great Diva herself, something Ben considers an honour.

 

This Sunday, Sunshine Coast music-lovers can hear Benjamin for themselves, when he joins the cast from the Coast-based OPERATIF! Opera and Song company, for a very special performance at the spectacular lakeside theatre in Cooroy.

“For those who enjoy sitting under sunny skies, the truly beautiful location at Lake Macdonald makes this concert experience even more memorable,” said Jennifer Parish from OPERATIF! “Many will extend the day with a lakeside picnic in the Gardens before entering the theatre. Once inside and seated, they will hear some of the most thrilling pieces from opera and a selection of great songs…The music, coupled with a magical location is a sure winner.” she added.

 

Jennifer said ticket sales were down on past years, despite their wonderful guest tenor. She puts this down to the fear of spending in current times but remains optimistic and determined that this is a ‘bump’ on the road and that optimism will return again.

 

“At a time when so many arts companies are resorting to give-aways and cut price tickets, we are proudly staying true to the value of the entertainment our audiences will receive,” said Jennifer. “We know our performance will be of a standard worth every cent of the admission price and discounted tickets simply deprive professionals of livelihood.”

 

Joining Jennifer and tenor Benjamin on the amphitheatre stage will be OPERATIF!
co-founder, baritone Stewart Cameron, mezzo Clarice Williams and pianist John Woods

 

Accompanying IMAGE: Tongan Tenor, Benjamin Makisi   with baritone Stewart Cameron.

 

DETAILS:
Date: 20th May, 3pm to 5.30pm
Venue: Lakeside Theatre, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Cooroy.
Tickets $45  
Bookings 1300 308 385 or www.operatif.com.au

By Operatif - opera and song
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May 9 2012

Opera in the Amphitheatre – tickets selling fast

MEDIA RELEASE

Star tenor to fly in for May 20th OPERATIF! concerts!

Brilliant Tongan-Samoan tenor, Benjamin Fifita Makisi, has just sung as Dame Kiri te Kanawa’s leading man. Now he’s on his way to sing with OPERATIF! in the theatre at Lake Macdonald, Cooroy.

“When a great Diva pops home for a concert in her native New Zealand, and both times, chooses a wonderful Tongan-Samoan tenor to join her in concert, you know that Benjamin Fifita Makisi ‘has the chops!’
Benjamin, is one of New Zealand’s busiest singers. Many rugby fans will have heard the tenor when watching telecasts from New Zealand where Makisi is often called upon to give a stirring, pre-Haka rendition of the national anthem. Currently based in Wellington, Makisi has sung with Opera Australia and the New Zealand Opera companies and is a regular on the concert platform. A career highpoint in 2009, was an invitation to share the stage with renowned international soprano, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, in Auckland.

Earlier this year, Benjamin performed for OPERATIF! in their 8th annual ‘Opera in Paradise,’ Festival on Norfolk Island, leading to the invitation to visit Queensland again. He recently sang on the Q.E. 2, a new experience for this versatile tenor.

Makisi will join local OPERATIF! singers in a variety of performances, from low-cost weekday concerts especially for Seniors, to a wonderful outdoor event at the magnificent lakeside amphitheatre at Lake Macdonald, near Noosa.
All programs will feature a sparkling cocktail of popular opera and song, led by Makisi who is always a crowd pleaser. His magnificent voice and big stage personality draws even non-opera lovers to their feet. Following the Queensland concerts with OPERATIF! Makisi’s busy schedule sees him heading to London.

Concert dates are:
May 20th , 3pm at Lake Macdonald Amphitheatre, Cooroy May 22nd , 11am at St Andrew’s Church, Brisbane
May 23rd , 11am, at Redcliffe Cultural Centre, Redcliffe

For information and bookings for all OPERATIF! performances phone OPERATIF! on 1300 308 385 or go to www.operatif.com.au

Those who enjoy travel should also enquire about OPERATIF!’s popular Travel Club which offers a variety of hosted, Music-Lovers tours.

By Operatif - opera and song
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Apr 26 2012

Mezzo-soprano announced for Opera in the Amphitheatre

Some 14 years after her last appearance with OPERATIF!, we are delighted to be welcoming Clarice Williams to the cast of Opera in the Amphitheatre on 20th May. Clarice is on an extended visit from the UK to see her family and will be making three appearances with us in May and June.  We look forward to once again hearing ‘Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix ‘ from Samson et Delilah and Stride la vampa among many others.

By Operatif - opera and song
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Mar 22 2012

Happy Hour at Raffles

Just a few minutes from our hotel is Raffles. Go to the Lomg Bar, sit up and eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor! Happy Hour is 6-9pm for beer and some spirits. Does not include Singapore Sling , which will cost you SGD$25,

By Operatif - opera and song
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