OPERATIF! - The Boutique Opera and Song Company - est.1994

From Rugby to Royalty! – Media Release

Operatif - opera and song — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:54:45 +0000

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

Opera in the Amphitheatre – tickets selling fast

Operatif - opera and song — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:38:30 +0000

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.

Mezzo-soprano announced for Opera in the Amphitheatre

Operatif - opera and song — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:26:56 +0000

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.

D’Oyly Carte to be revived.

Operatif - opera and song — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:26:41 +0000

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17485783

Happy Hour at Raffles

Operatif - opera and song — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:32:19 +0000

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,

Dominic Walsh fundraiser- Toowoomba

Operatif - opera and song — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:36:29 +0000

http://m.thechronicle.com.au/story/2012/03/20/tenor-on-way-to-london/

Opera in Paradise Photos – Part 1

Operatif - opera and song — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:50:23 +0000

Many thanks to one of our patrons, Rod Hansen for most of these photos !

Italy trip – almost sold out

Operatif - opera and song — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:54:51 +0000

We are thrilled to report that just 3 places remain for our Music Lovers Tour to Italy. More tours, including a 2013 Music Lovers tour to 2 other European countries will be announced in April. If you have been wavering about the 2012 Italy trip, please call us now, as we know there are a number of you ! Call 1300 308 385 or email studio@operatif.com.au www.operatif.com.au_travel_italy.html

Another “best ever” Opera in Paradise

Operatif - opera and song — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:56:05 +0000

We have just come back from our 8th Opera in Paradise Festival on beautiful Norfolk Island. Loads of photos, news and video coming to this site soon. Everything went exceedingly well with many glowing comments about the performances but also about the wonderful level of organisation We look forward to a bright new future with our friends and partners on Norfolk Island – a brilliant new Tourism G.M. , the ‘bringing to life’ of the lovely Hillcrest Hotel under Manager Tim, a 2nd venue for concerts and regular Air New Zealand services.

BRISBANE AND REDCLIFFE DAYTIME SERIES – Now on Sale

Operatif - opera and song — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:42:53 +0000

BRISBANE AND REDCLIFFE DAYTIME SERIES – Now on Sale

BOOK ONLINE ( Brisbane ) or call 1300 308 385 ( Brisbane )
or 3283 0407 ( Redcliffe )

1. Hear My Song – Brisbane, 29th March at 11am

A marvellous collection from the rich and varied treasure trove of songs!
Joining us is rising tenor, Dominic Walsh

2. By Request – Brisbane, 22nd May at 11am &
Redcliffe 23rd May at 11am

With special guest, tenor Benjamin Makisi, we present
all the favourites!

3. Your Raise Me Up – Brisbane, 17th June at 2pm

A selection of inspirational songs, filled with fine
sentiment and rich melody!

4. Wanting You – Redcliffe, 31st July at 11am &
Brisbane, 1st August at 11am

The Golden Years of stage and movie singers, their musicals
and light operas!

5. Serenade – Redcliffe, 25th October at 11am &
Brisbane, 28th October at 2pm

A delightful mix of elegant and melodic songs and music.
You’ll love this one!

6. Our Traditional Christmas Concert – Redcliffe, 5th December at 11am & Brisbane, 9th December at 2pm

Rejoice in the wonderful harmonies and beautiful melodies of the great Xmas songs and carols.4 big voices (& yours!)