Newsletter January 2009Welcome to our � rst 2009 newsletter. We hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and we look forward to bringing you a great selection of concerts for 2009 with our special brand of humour and glorious music. We are delighted to say that in 2009 we have decided to revamp our concerts with a great selection of music, variety, quality and interest with more emphasis on ensemble singing, and introducing some exciting new voices.

Jan 09

Operatunity Young Singers ProgrammeIt is a passion for Operatunity to provide work for young singers and as part of this on-going project we are adding a 5th young singer in 2009. They will join John, Sue and/or Geo� rey and our regular guest artists to gain some experience. Itís very exciting and gratifying for us to give these talented young singers a chance to perform and introduce them to you as well as getting paid for singing! We also provide young singers professional work through one of our other companies Operatunity Class Act Opera which presents operas to New Zealand schools which, in 2008, performed to nearly 100 schools exposing 23,000 children to quality music.

TicketingIn 2009 we are introducing a new ticketing system in order to streamline our bookings. In future we will issue printed tickets, even for the largest groups, and we will be collecting these (or sighting your season pass) as you enter the theatre. We hope you understand the need for this as we have operated on the honesty system for seven years but due to your feedback it seems that a small number of people have sometimes slipped into the concerts without paying, so to be fair to the vast majority who do pay we will check tickets. As always if you happen to leave your tickets at home we will have a list at the desk and can replace your ticket on the day.

Web: www.operatunity.co.nz Email: bookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone free: 0508 266 237

Geo� and Greg as the 2 ugliest sisters ever!!

Entertainment News Jan 2009

On line bookings: As part of our new ticketing we now have the facility for you to visit our website (www.operatunity.co.nz) and book directly for any concert at any venue and pay online with your credit card (it is a secure site with the transactions handled by the Westpac Bank).

Tell a friendWe are most grateful for your help in getting the word out there to anyone you think may be interested in our show. You may like to pick up a brochure at the concerts or ring our o� ce and ask Lynette to send you or one of your friends our 2009 brochure. Brochures, lea� ets and posters are available at our concerts so feel free to take an armful if you wish to give to friends, drop in mailboxes, or at your dentist, doctor’s, church or club. Also feel free to pick up a postage paid envelope with our 2009 brochure enclosed and pop it in the post to a friend.

2009 ConcertsIn Kapiti, from the beginning of 2009, we will be presenting our concerts at Southwards Theatre. We are delighted to be going to this fabulous theatre with its Steinway Grand for Alex to play and we will enjoy the ambience of this lovely new venue.

For Wanganui and Nelson audiences the 11 am shows have sold out for the entire 2009 year but do not despair as we have opened 2 pm shows for every concert in Wanganui and Nelson. Please let your friends know that they don’t need to miss out now and we are very happy to transfer anyone from the 11 am show if you wish.

We have put together a centrefold in this newsletter (no not that kind of centrefold although we had to be careful where we put the staples!) with information on our 2009 programme of artists. Sue, John and Geo� and our two fabulous accompanists Reg Towers and Alex Wiltshire will again be part of our 2009 concert series. Their C.V’s are in our brochure for your reference.

2009 Operatunity ArtistsBonavenuture Allan-Moetaua graduated with Bachelor of Music (Honours). Bonaven was awarded the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award for the support /development of a Paci� c Island Opera Singer in 2004. He won the University Blues awards in 05, 06 and 07. In the N. Z. Aria competitions he attained third equal.

AprilMay

The Romance of EuropeThe Romance of EuropeExperience the best romantic music that Europe has produced including songs like One day when we were young, Vilia, You are my heart’s delight, The Nun’s Chorus, Nessun Dorma, and Time to say goodbye with Sue, John the wonderful, world class tenor voice of Benjamin Fi� ta Makisi, beautiful mezzo of Tessa-May Brown and exciting young baritone Orene Tiai.

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Benjamin Fi� ta Makisi is one of NZ’s � nest Tenors and performs as a special guest artist for Operatunity whenever possible. He has travelled extensively worldwide and is continuing to pursue his career in Opera internationally, singing recently with Opera Australia and with New Zealand Opera. He has been a friend and a colleague of the

Operatunity partners for a very long time.Orene Tiai is a young Samoan baritone based in Wellington who was a recipient of the Bel Canto Scholarship and � nalist in the Wellington aria competition in 2007 & 2008. Roles include First Priest/Aeoulus in King Arthur (Boutique Opera), Herman/Schlemil in Tales of Ho� man (Gilbert and Sullivan, Wellington), Lord Mountararat in Iolanthe (Gilbert and Sullivan, Wellington).Tessa-May Brown enjoys a busy career which includes many styles: opera, music theatre, teaching singing, and directing music theatre.. With ‘a song in her heart’ and a good sense of humour, Tessa looks forward to sharing these attributes with the Operatunity audience again in 2009.

JuneJuly

Stage and ScreenStage and ScreenMany shows make the leap from the stage to the screen and Sue, John, baritones Andy Grinder and Richard Moody and the beautiful Jacquie Hudson include both these elements in an interactive show with songs such as If I were a rich man, You’ll never walk alone, If I loved you, Sunrise Sunset, Do you love me?, Supercalifragilistic etc!

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Andy Grinder has been performing and singing professionally throughout Australasia for nearly 20 years working primarily in musical theatre. He spends much of his time these days contracting to theatre companies as an Artistic Director.

Richard Moody trained for 4 years as a singer at Trinity College of Music, London. Whilst in the UK, he performed professionally in opera, musicals, plays and T.V/� lm. In November 2006 he moved to Franz Josef, New Zealand with his partner Jacquie, in order to manage a Lodge. He moved to Auckland in July 2008.

FebruaryMarch

Great Composing PartnershipsGreat Composing PartnershipsOur � rst concert of 2009 takes in music by Gilbert / Sullivan, Rodgers/ Hammerstein, Lerner/ Loewe and so many others. Geo� , John, young singers Alexandra Ioan, Jessica Graham, the animated Greg Ward (N.I) and Albert Sword (S.I) include songs such as Tarantara, Take a pair of sparkling eyes, One alone, The lady is a tramp, I feel pretty and I’ve got a little list.

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Alexandra Ioan recipient of the Reardon Postgraduate Scholarship in Music and Evelyn M. Harrison Singing scholarships, is currently � nishing Honours in Music at the University of Auckland. In 2008 she was second in the Becroft Aria, North Shore Competitions, and winner Young Performer of the Year and the Linda Wooten awards.Jessica Graham is a mezzo soprano who studied performance voice at the Victoria University School of Music. She has been involved in theatre since age 7, most recently performing in musical theatre for Auckland Musical Theatre and opera productions with NZ Opera.

Greg Ward (N.I) is an all-round performer, equally at home on the musical stage, in front of the camera or MC’ing events and corporate audiences. Greg has performed numerous principal roles in opera and musical theatre and his comedic bent ensures his audiences are always thoroughly entertained!Albert Sword (S.I) came late to the performing stage, but once there became totally stage-struck. Albert has performed major roles in many musicals such as Man of La Mancha, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and has sung as a chorus member with Opera NZ.

MarchApril

Wonderful Songs of the War Years Wonderful Songs of the War Years Sue, Geo� , exuberant Terry Barry, lovely soprano Chantelle Gerrard and young tenor Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua (a young Ben!) include inspiring and comic songs in this tribute to the War Years such as A Nightingale sang at Berkeley Square, White Cli� s of Dover, Lillie Marlene, Bless ‘em all and so many more.

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Terry Barry has performed in and directed music theatre and operas, performing numerous roles for NBR New Zealand Opera including The Emperor, in their 2007 production of Turandot. He has also performed with Mercury Theatre, National Opera of Wellington and Hawke’s Bay Opera.Chantelle Gerrard completed a design degree from AUT after � nishing her � rst year of a Batchelor of Music. She has always enjoyed music in every form, and has been singing with Janice Webb for the last 8 years. Chantelle toured with Class Act Opera in the 2008 production of the Magic Flute as Princess Pamina, which she looks forward to reprising in 2009.

Jacquie Hudson has gone back to her � rst love - singing after spending 10 years as a journalist and presenter on television. She has performed in a number of musical theatre shows in Auckland and the Waikato, has a number of Operatunity tours up her sleeve and sings with a big band called Tuxedo Swing.

JulyAugust

Modern Musicals Modern Musicals Sue, Geo� , fun, funky baritone Stuart Coats, tenor Paul Chappory and lovely Lynette Martin sing songs from the Modern Musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Cats, Evita and including All I ask of you, Don’t cry for me Argentina, Bring him home, Empty Chairs, What I did for love, Send in the Clowns, Maria, Tonight, and so many more!

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Stuart Coats is an experienced singer and actor having worked in music theatre and concerts from an early age and then with professional companies such as New Zealand Opera, Capital E and Class Act Opera. For the past 2 years he has been Company Manager for NBR NZ Opera and Operatunity is delighted to welcome back one

of our most popular guest artists.Paul Chappory has performed with the N.Z.S.O., regional opera Paul Chappory has performed with the N.Z.S.O., regional opera Paul Chapporycompanies and with NBR NZ Opera. In 2008 Paul returned from the UK and Europe after a four year period studying and performing in concerts and opera companies throughout Britain. His performances included Tamino in The Magic Flute and Marco in the Gondoliers in London.Lynette Martin won the South Auckland & North Shore Aria Competitions. She has sung lead roles for Auckland Opera, Wellington City Opera, Opera Hawkes Bay and was a principal in the � rst Aotea Centre opera. Lynette thoroughly enjoys singing for Operatunity and can also be found in the o� ce answering your phone calls.

AugustSeptember

The Magni� cence of the Music Hall The Magni� cence of the Music Hall We have a phenomenal line-up for this show - the e� ervescent Marian Burns playing the violin, the incomparable Tessa-May Brown - remember her bumble bee costume; well she has promised more � amboyant, funny costumes this year (this woman has no shame!),with Geo� rey as chairman and Albert & John , we are guaranteed a fantastic, fun, frolicking music hall!

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Marian Burns was winner of the New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of the year and New Zealander’s vote in the “Showcase” Viewers � nal. This exuberant performer has appeared on many stages throughout N.Z and Australia. With Marian we are guaranteed a fantastic frenzy of � ery � ddling. She will have your toes tapping and

promises to bring a smile to your face.Tessa-May Brown & Albert Sword (See above)

OctoberNovember

Kern, Gershwin and Berlin Kern, Gershwin and Berlin John, Geo� , the wonderful Debbie Penney with young talent Devin Ashton, Sue (Upper N.I & S.I) and Pamela Wallace (Lower N.I) sing songs like Summertime, Long ago and far away, Ol’ man River, Smoke gets in your eyes, Strike up the Band, I got rhythm, Steppin’ out with my baby, Always and so many more.

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Debbie Penney has been a professional singer for over 18 years. Recent work include successful tours of Menopause The Musical in Australia and NZ. Latest roles include Grandma McGarvey& Grandpa’s Slippers, Bloody Mary (Nominated for NAPTA award) 2007 and Annie - Miss Hannigan.Devin Ashton is a young singer with a great voice and personality and Operatunity is delighted to welcome him. He began his singing training at age 8 with vocal tutor Louise Malloy. Devin trained for 7 years in acting, singing and dance at the Auckland City Theatre Academy (A.C.T.A).Pamela Wallace (Lower N.I) has won numerous special prizes and awards, including a NZ AGC Young Achiever Award and a Q. E. II Arts Council Scholarship. She was a winner of the New Zealand Herald Aria and runner-up in the Mobil Song Quest. Her career includes opera roles and concerts in the U.K, USA and in NZ.

NovemberDecember

An Olde Fashioned Christmas An Olde Fashioned Christmas One of our most popular concerts includes Christmas songs: I’ll be home for Christmas, Have yourself a merry little Christmas, carols, wonderful singalongs and some ensemble carols from our fabulous singers: Geo� , John, Sue ( Upper N.I&S.) Rosel Labone (lower N.I) Lynette Martin, and young baritone Jonathon Palmer.

With Special Guests:With Special Guests:Rosel Labone (Lower N.I) is a recent graduate (BMus Hons) of the New Zealand School of Music. Roles include: 2nd Lady in The Magic Flute, Juno, world premiere Enchanted Island, Mrs Ducat, world premiere Polly. She was a � nalist in the Perkel Operatic Aria competition, and a regional � nalist in the PACANZ Young Performer of the Year Award.

Lynette Martin (See above)Johnathon Palmer is the recipient of the Faculty of Arts Alumni Scholarship (2005), the Kathleen Mary Reardon Memorial Music Scholarship (2006) and the Marie d’Albini Singing Scholarship (2007). He will be continuing study in 2009 with an honours degree in Voice at Auckland University.

Jan 09Web: www.operatunity.co.nz Email: bookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone free: 0508 266 237

Norfolk Island 26th Sept - 3rd Oct 2009 (April 2009 SOLD OUT)In the September trip, travel to Norfolk Island with John, Sue, Geo� rey, Ben Makisi and our own Alex Wiltshire. We enjoy the best the Island has to o� er experiencing the history and its special brand of relaxation. Bring your sense of fun as we present 3 concerts in the Islands special venues, enjoy a talent quest with Alex as well as sing-a-longs and Island Excursions.

Greek & Turkish Delights 3rd - 26th June 2009Join Geo� rey on this tour of two lands of stunning sights, culture, history & music. These ancient lands have so much to o� er and experience. We visit Istanbul, Gallipoli, Cappadocia, Troy, Athens, Delphi, Ephesus, Crete and more. A tour packed full of music, food and culture.

Scotland: Clans, Kilts & Castles 20th July - 8th Aug 2009Join John on his special passion – Scotland. Explore the sights with our historical tour – the International Gathering of the Clans, the Pageant at Edinburgh Castle, Culloden, Fort George, the Isle of Skye – so many sights and inclusions – not to mention Whiskey tasting at the Ben Nevis Distillery.

Musical Gems of Europe 2nd Sept - 23rd Sept 2009What a trip, four of Europe’s most beautiful cities which are also the cradles of European music. Join Sue as you explore the sights and experience the music of Vienna, Budapest, Prague & Salzburg. Many fabulous inclusions: Vienna Boys Choir, State Opera Prague, Spanish Riding School and Sound of Music sites – too many to name here – call for an itinerary.

Web: www.operatunity.co.nz Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz Phone free: 0508 266 237

*Costs and inclusions are correct as at the time of going to press, however we are sure you will understand that we have no control over exchange rates, tax increases, fuel surcharges, show availability and the such like and therefore advise that prices may change – but you know the blurb & � ne print. Where an inclusion increases in price past what we think acceptable or is cancelled then we will substitute a comparable one. Full terms & conditions are available from Operatunity Travel Club.

Jan 09

2008 was a wonderful year for Operatunity Travel Club with all trips sold out to Italy, Canada/Alaska & Australia. We are proud of our 2009 trips which are personally escorted by John, Sue or Geo� , many of the trips are half full or more already!Call Lisa, our Travel Administrator, on toll free 0508 266 237 for a full itinerary and with any questions you may have.

Operatunity Travel Club