Opera by Candlelight is Canberra’s favourite celebration of music,
romance, friends and beauty.

Wonderful singers from around Australia and Europe come to
Canberra to give you the best tunes and characters from opera
and operetta.

The programme will feature opera highlights in the first part and the
second act will be drawn from Operetta and Gypsy music.

More than a concert…the unique banquet setting creates a night of
glamour and beauty for you to share with your friends.

Read on to learn about the performers, the music, and the ways you
and you friends can enjoy this unique entertainment…

Artists: glorious Polish soprano Aleksandra Wiwale, direct from
Warsaw giving only 6 performances in Australia; special guest artist
baritone Peter Tregear (Director of ANU School of Music); splendid
tenors James Adams from NZ and Sydney’s leading man Michael
Johnson; virtuoso coloratura Kate Rafferty returns from Vienna for
this season; 18 rising stars of Australian opera come from around
Australia to bring you “Opera by Candlelight”.

Music: The company of fabulous and glamorous singers give you
Verdi’s rousing choruses, a selection of duets and quartets, and
wonderful tunes from opera and operetta. The programme includes
highlights from Madame Butterfly, Aida, Gypsy Princess, Fidelio,
Rigoletto, Manon, White Horse Inn, the Merry Widow, Handel,
Mozart, G & S…all great tunes!

Here’s what you need to know to enjoy “Opera by Candlelight”:

There are TWO formats for you to choose:

1. Friday and Saturday Feb 7 and 8 are banquet nights with table
seating for your group of friends. You bring your own banquet
and wine. This is for groups of 8 or more. All seats $60.
2. SUNDAY Feb 9 is theatre style seating with a buffet supper and wine
provided. There is no minimum booking for this night. This format is more
suited to couples and smaller groups. All seats $80.

Here’s the details for the banquet nights (Friday and Saturday). Details for Sunday follow after…

Book your table and tell your friends. Tables seat 8 or 9 people.
We can accommodate a few parties of 10 or 11 on some longer
tables. Tables can be joined for larger parties. All table seats on
Friday and Saturday are $60. Book by return email.

You don’t have to pay at the time of booking. It’s more important
that you reserve your table. Send an email with your choice of night
(Friday or Saturday). You can then take a week or so to organize
your friends and the payment. You can make a single payment
(preferred) or the people at your table can pay separately.

Important: Opera by Candlelight has sold out THREE banquet
nights for the past three years. Because of the change of format
for Sunday there are now fewer tables offered for this season.
Book now to hold your table.

On the day:

Pack a supper as simple or as elaborate as you like, and your
favourite wine. Whether it's a platter of tasty nibbles, or a four
course banquet you'll have a great time sharing this experience
with your friends.

Your choice of formal, flamboyant, eccentric or operatic clothing
will add further lustre and enjoyment to this special occasion.
This is definitely not a jeans and t-shirt event.

Bring some cash for coffee and ice-cream.

Arrive at stately Albert Hall from 5.30pm. Your allocated table
will be set with linen table cloth and silver candelabra and flickering
candles, waiting for you and your friends to enjoy your banquet.

The performance begins at 7pm. Sip your wine and nibble your
cheese while you celebrate the beauty of great music in this stately
room.

Tea and coffee and ice creams are on sale at interval in the supper room.

The second part of the performance is lighter music drawn from
Operetta and Gypsy themes.

The performance concludes at 10pm

Details for SUNDAY only:

SUNDAY Theatre style performance with buffet and wine provided.
All seats $80. You make a booking for any size group for this performance.
There is no minimum number. Book by return email. You’ll receive a
confirmation of your booking and payment details.

Arrive at Albert Hall at 5.30 and enjoy a selection of bubbly, white and
red wine and a nibble before the show. Performance starts at 6pm. You’re
welcome to take your glass to your seat.

A light buffet will be served during the interval. Sparkling, red and white
wines, soft drink, tea and coffee are included.

Performance concludes at 8.45pm

Book by email raffertycarl@internode.on.net