Opera in the Arboretum artistic director moves on
The Rotary Club of Woy Woy will review the future of Opera in the Arboretum after its artistic director, Ms Michaele Archer, announced that she and her graphic designer husband Justin would be moving on.
"It has been our privilege and pleasure to be part of Opera in the Arboretum for 20 years and we wish the event all the very best for its new chapter," she said.
Ms Archer said the couple had been inspired by the passion and vision of Woy Woy Rotary Club member, the late Mr John Greenway, and the support of the club.
"Opera in the Arboretum has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, and we thank our audience and sponsors for their generosity.
"The event has presented some of Australia's greatest opera singers and musicians."
Rotary club president Mr Tom McCann said: "Michaele and Justin have been engaged with the Opera since its inception and have been very influential in the development, direction and success of the event."
He said: "The Opera in the Arboretum was established by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy in 2005 as a fundraising event.
"Since that time it has raised over $500,000 that has been used to support charitable and community organisations across the Central Coast.
"Unfortunately, like many outdoor music events around Australia, the Opera has struggled over the past couple of years to be profitable resulting in the Rotary Club of Woy Woy needing to review the extent to which the Opera is 'fit for purpose' as a club fundraiser.
"To that end, the club is working with the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music to identify what opportunities are available to restructure the event to better achieve its fundraising objective and make it more sustainable.
"We are hopeful that the review will be completed within the next few months."
SOURCE:
Social media, 30 May 2025
Michaele Archer, Opera in the Arboretum