Opera returns to Sunshine Castle

The Underground Opera Company will transform the Sunshine Castle at Bli Bli into the 'Opera House of the Sunshine Coast' when Opera in the Castle hits the stage on 26th, 27th and 28th October.

Resonating through the magnificent Great Hall, some of Australia's finest voices will perform a selection of pieces from popular operas and musical theatre showstoppers.

Founder and Producer Bruce Edwards is excited with the future of the Company, stating "the company is continuously securing more venues. In addition to our Opera in the Caves, Opera on the Island and Opera in the Castle series we are also producing shows in tanks, barns, underground in mines at Mt Isa and Bendigo and even in the Swanbank Power Station in Ipswich.

"I feel that today's audience appreciates something out of the ordinary while still expecting world-class performances.

"The audiences have certainly voiced their approval, by making us Ticketmaster's top rated Opera Company in the Country, so I think we might be doing something right."

Opera in the Castle features acclaimed artists including Glenn Lorimer (Principal and soloist for the Scottish National Opera Co., London Opera Co.), Darian Johns (Opera S.A., Opera Qld), Louise Dorsman (Melba Hall Opera, Opera Qld) and Susan Ellis (soloist for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra in China, Opera Qld), with pianist Kylie Los (British Youth Opera, Chelsea Opera, Opera Qld) and host Bruce Edwards.

Edwards added "I am very fortunate to be able to produce concerts with such extraordinary performers in such breathtaking spaces.

"It is amazing when you can sit in a space only meters away from voices that have performed at some of the best Opera Houses in the world. The intimate concerts, like Opera in the Castle, showcase these magnificent voices. They transform the audible into something physical and break down the barrier between audience and performer.

"Personally, if I am watching a show, I like to feel like I am part of it and this is what I want our audience to feel".

The concert showcases a selection of pieces from popular operas and musical theatre showstoppers. It is set to include arias such as Habanera from Carmen, Nessun Dorma from Turandot, duets from Lakme and The Pearl Fishers, ensembles from Rigoletto and La Traviata, and musical theatre showstoppers from Sweeny Todd, The Sound of Music and many more.

With complimentary canapés served during interval in the castle courtyard and an audience limited to 100, Opera in the Castle has set the standard for an intimate evening with Underground Opera.

Edwards concludes "we have seen some incredible performances from our outstanding casts and this year is even better (with) beautiful music and extraordinary voices in a wonderful setting."

The Sunshine Castle on Queensland's Sunshine Coast is a Norman style Castle complete with moat, turrets, towers and drawbridge. A unique attraction in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, the Castle is a significant landmark and regional visitor attraction.

The castle is currently being offered for sale, with tenders closing on 30th June.

Tickets for Opera in the Castle are available from Ticketmaster on 136 100.

To view a YouTuve video on the event go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRV_ioxs7cY

20th June 2012 - SUNSHINE COAST VISITOR ICON FOR SALE

19th May 2011 - OPERA COMES TO SUNSHINE CASTLE