A far cry from its humble origins in a tiny Mount Buffalo shed, the 20th installment of Opera in the Alps has been hailed as its best.
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More than 4000 revellers at Beechworth Golf Course heard the magical talents of a host of the nation’s finest singers, alongside Opera Orchestra Australia and the Opera in the Alps choir, interspersed with some fun ad-libbing between items.
Director Graham Wall hailed the “special audience” for playing its part.
“It has to be the best we’ve done so far – it’s grown every year,” he said.
“What was so satisfying and gratifying was not only the response from the audience, but the artists themselves.
“They all kept saying they’d never done quite such a lovely outdoor event in Australia.
“You could hear a pin drop … the audience is so attentive and dedicated, they’ve come a long way to hear good music.”
Wall highlighted Jerusalem and Quartet-Rugiletto as two personal stand-outs on the night.
The evening featured a piano concerto for the first time, by Stefan Cassomenos, and performances from Opera scholars Elizabeth Barrow, Stephen Marsh and Shakira Tsindos.
Bradman, who wowed the crowd throughout, told The Border Mail she especially enjoyed her interaction with the crowd.
“It was so much fun, I’d not done it before, the whole team was amazing,” she said.
“They’re such a wonderful bunch of people – it’s almost like being embraced by a family – it was lovely to be there and the orchestra was awesome.
“As an artist, I adore my audience – I’m so grateful.
“I genuinely love it and chatting with people in the interval and after the show.”
Bradman said she would be keen to return to Beechworth next year.
“I’d love to be (back) … I’m working out my diary over that period but that’s not to say necessarily I’ve got something on those nights I’d need to be at Opera in the Alps,” she said.
“If I can be there, I will be – Graeme and Margot have been really welcoming, which is wonderful.”