Despite predictions that heavy rainfall would dampen Opera by the Lakes at Nyerimilang Heritage Park last Sunday, the event, which also celebrated its 10th anniversary, was hailed a spectacular success.
Gippsland Opera’s Andrea Ford said the decision was made to start the event at noon rather than wait until 2pm to avoid the downpour.
Not only did the move pay off, but it was completed to rapturous applause from the enthusiastic audience.
Attendees were thrilled with the event, with one patron expressing the following:
“I attended Opera at the Lakes with my husband for the first time on Sunday.
“We had little idea of what to expect and wondered about the logistics particularly given the unpredictability of the weather.
“When you ask for feedback all I can think to say is: Don’t change a thing.
“The singers and their accompanist were superb and the program they sang well curated. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the acoustics worked.
“The location in the garden on the lakes and surrounded by the bush landscape was sublime and only accentuated by the soaring sea eagles during the toreador song.
“Teddy Tahu Rhodes’ generous reference to the birds and the interest they drew was a refreshing moment in my opera experience.
“I loved the picnic atmosphere and the involvement of the local schools and organisations providing refreshments, particularly the local wines and cakes.
“Perhaps the most remarkable and surprising element which brought everything together was the superb organisation.
“In an atmosphere that was totally informal and relaxed, from parking to the arrangement of seating and the provision of refreshments it was incredibly smooth and efficient.
“The ability to spin on a sixpence and adjust the timing to defeat the weather gods was remarkable.
“When it began to spit with rain I was delighted the audience protested at the suggestion the program be shortened, and when Shanul Sharma came down into the rain with the audience to sing it was a moment to remember.
“One particular aspect that has stayed with me and gave me pause to hope in humanity was the patience, respect and kindness as ushers helped latecomers many of whom had mobility issues, calmly to their seats. The performers and the audience remained unfussed and preoccupied with the music. In a time when the world often seems full of petty complaint it was an uplifting response.
“I loved that you happily changed the timetable to suit the weather, I loved the spectacular venue and the endorsement of the white bellied sea eagles, I loved the involvement of the the local community and I loved the performers.
“Their familiarity and engagement with the crowd was a delight and I loved that we all said we were happy to stay in the rain to see the whole performance.
“Thank you for a wonderful day, thank you to the fabulous singers and their remarkable accompanist. Next year we will be planning ahead to make sure we can attend.”
