Rockdale Opera Company’s Gala Fundraising Concert
Rockdale Opera Company’s Gala Fundraising concert held on 8 April 2017 was an overwhelming success. It was the brainchild of José Carbó, co-patron of the Company, whose aim was to raise much needed funds for the Company. In his address to the audience at the end of the concert, Mr Carbó said that in his early years, before establishing his professional international career, he performed 5 major operatic roles with Rockdale and credits these performance opportunities as a significant factor in gaining invaluable stage and performance experience.
He is passionately committed to ensuring the future success of the Company so that future generations of operatic talent in Australia have a platform on which to develop their craft and skills.
Mr Carbó enlisted the support of the fabulous international opera star, Australian soprano Ms Emma Matthews, and both gave very generously of their extraordinary talents and time. They were joined by associate artist Ingrid Sakurovs, and four up and coming artists, Daniel Sloman, Paul Sutton, Rebecca Hart and Lewis Barber and the Rockdale Opera Company Ensemble.
The Town Hall was near capacity and the audience, completely captivated by the performances of the two stars, was treated to a stunning programme of the arias, duets and choruses. From the opening number, the \duet Dunque io son! from The Barber of Seville, through to the final number, the gsextet from Lucia di Lammermoor – ‘Chi mi frena in tal momento’, there were many thrilling moments, with shouts of ‘brava’, ‘bravo’ ringing out throughout the entire concert.
The audience was also treated to highlights from the Company’s upcoming production of The Gondoliers by Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by The Rockdale Opera Ensemble and Principals.
Following his closing address, José concluded the evening with a rousing rendition of ‘Granada’.
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