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The Gisborne Photo News

 
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Vol 13 : June 1, 1994

40

OPERA FESTIVAL

For the Organising Committee, the Air New Zealand Link Opera Festival Week in Gisborne was a spectacular success. From the moment the first SAAB aircraft flew in with the Victoria University of Wellington Orchestra, till the final night of the Opera Lucia di Lammermoor, there were activities to entertain people of all ages, complemented with the best of Gisborne wines and foods. Lucia, (Donizetti's 45th opera written in 1835) with its magnificent costuming, dramatic and romantic setting and powerful music played to a packed audience at the Memorial theatre over four nights. Patron, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, would have been impressed with the high standard achieved by a magnificent, talented cast and the many people who combined to make the week one Gisborne will never forget.

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Photographs courtesy Treble Court Photos

While awaiting the arrival of her lover Edgardo, Lucia (Catherine Macdonald) describes to her companion, Alisa (Jessie Bell), the ghost she had seen at the fountain

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On a stormy night in his castle Edgardo (Gavin Maclean) is about to be challenged to a duel by Lucia's brother Enrico.

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Air New Zealand Link, one of the Opera Festival sponsors, brought daily Saab flights in and out of Gisborne during the week. The first flight Ianded with 34 members of the Victoria University Orchestra, their Conductor Dr. Peter Walls (7th from Right), Air NZ Link Area Manager Ray Veall (3rd Right), Opera director Robert Alderton (2nd from Right) and Festival vice-president Bronwen Holdsworth (5th from Right)

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Waihirere Maori Club member David Collier watches as Victoria University Orchestra Conductor Dr. Peter Walls accepts the challenge laid down at the official welcome for the orchestra and Air Nelson officials

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Photographs courtesy Treble Court Photos

Special guests at Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 50th birthday celebrations, the 70 strong Waihirere Maori Group gave a stunning performance at Lawson Field Theatre as part of the Festival.

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© 2012 H B Williams Memorial Library
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