Rotary club raises $14,000 through opera event
The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has raised $14,000 through its Opera in the Arboretum event held on Saturday, March 23.
However, despite attracting 600 people, numbers were down on previous years and costs were up.
Club president Mr Trevor Walker said the day was successful.
"It went off without a hitch.
"The weather was perfect.
"The opera singers, Diego Torre, Jose Carbo, Sophie Salvesani and Shikara Ringdahl, were amazing, as was the music from the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra, led by maestro Patrick Brennan.
"Esther Maria, the harpist playing Debussy's Clair de Lune, was incredible and backing all of this was the Kate Johnson on piano."
He said the numbers were down from most previous years and the costs to stage the event had "increased alarmingly" from previous years.
"We still finished up with a $14,000 profit, of which $10,000 is already committed to Umina Surf Lifesaving Club and the Gosford Conservatorium Central Coast Strings Scholarship."
Rotary district governor Ms Christine Owen said: "The arboretum at Pearl Beach provided a stunning backdrop to the beautiful opera classics that thrilled the 600 attendees.
"Those who attended were delighted once again to enjoy the experience in such a wonderful setting.
"The acoustics of the Arboretum bring the music to life sensationally.
"What a wonderful example of community service in staging an autumn event that has become synonymous with Woy Woy Rotary."
SOURCE:
Newsletter, 13 Apr 2024
Trevor Walker, Rotary Woy Woy