Tomaree Sunsets Spring Concert 2: Stars of Opera Hunter

Join us at Tomaree Lodge Hall on the shores of Shoal Bay to enjoy a concert celebrating the beauty and power of the human voice as the talented and accomplished stars of Opera Hunter perform a program of popular operatic solos and ensembles with piano accompaniment. Enjoy wine and cheese after the performance as we experience sunset in this iconic location.

The performers will be as follows (L to R in main image):

IAN FISHER - Bass-Baritone

Ian is a highly-accomplished soloist, performer and vocal teacher with over 30 years' experience in operas, recitals, concerts, oratorios and contemporary performance. He has performed in numerous productions for Opera Queensland and Opera Australia, and performed as principal for Rockdale Opera, Gosford Musical Society and most recently in Opera Hunter's production of Mozart's Magic Flute.

ELOISE ROWLAND - Soprano

Eloise gained her Bachelor of Music from the University of Newcastle, after which she has performed widely as soprano soloist in choral concerts and opera. She has also enjoyed performing in musical theatre, including Sondheim on Sondheim for Opera Hunter, Wicked, Les Miserables and Beauty and the Beast. She has performed as a member of professional Sydney choir Cantillation on several occasions.

GALATEA KNEATH - Soprano

Greek-Australian soprano Galatea Kneath gained her Bachelors and Masters degrees in music from Sydney Conservatorium during which time she was the recipient of a number of scholarships to further her studies. She also travelled to Germany and the UK on operatic exchanges, and has since performed numerous operatic roles. She recently performed the role of Queen of the Night in Mozart's Magic Flute for Opera Hunter.

MERCIA BUCK - Piano

Mercia Buck OAM has had a long career as pianist, chamber musician, vocal coach, teacher and arts administrator. She established Opera Hunter in 1986 and is still musical director. She has degrees from Sydney Conservatorium, Open University in England and a Masters of Music from the University of New South Wales.

TOMAREE HEADLAND SITE

Originally a military hospital dating back to the Second World War, then a facility for mental health patients, the Tomaree Headland site was set aside by the NSW Government for the exclusive use of the Port Stephens community in 2021. The heritage-listed site and buildings are now undergoing a period of transition to new community uses following release of the Master Plan for Tomaree Headland by the Department of Communities and Justice in July this year. The venue for this pilot series of concerts was originally the hospital refectory. It is hoped the pilot will help to identify improvements that can be made to make the building more suitable and adaptable for its future community uses.

TOMAREE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP

The Tomaree Cultural Development Group is a community advocacy group committed to campaigning for a modern purpose-built theatre and cultural complex to be established in the Port Stephens local government area. Led by Kathie Barnes, the group has been active since 2021, commissioning an Economic Impact Assessment in 2024 and a Concept Plan for a new Performing Arts centre in 2025. Its activities recently resulted in Port Stephens Council officially committing to support the development of a cultural centre and it continues to advocate through its own cultural and awareness and fundraising initiatives.

All profits from the Tomaree Sunsets Spring concerts will go back to the TCDG to be put towards its continued advocacy for a Performing Arts Centre for Port Stephens. If you would like to make a donation towards the campaign, please see the donation option under ticket types.

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