The Gulgong Opera House came alive on Sunday afternoon when the Cudgegong Choir and Northern Beaches Symphony Orchestra brought Brindisi to Gulgong. “The concept was great and there was a good crowd. All in all, we can consider it a success,” Cudgegong Choir director Mary Mitchell said. Around $3000 was raised for Bear Cottage through tickets sales and raffle tickets according to Mrs Mitchell. Joined by soprano Sarah Clarke and baritone William Moxey, the concert raised funds for Manly Children’s Hospital Bear Cottage, where Ms Clark works as a part time nurse, singing playful arias as she walks the halls. The cottage provides palliative care to seriously ill children as well as providing respite for their parents. “It was a wonderful experience for the choir. I’m just glad it worked out as well as it did because you can never quite know if everything will come together in the end,” Mrs Mitchell said. The Cudgegong Choir performed pieces such as the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s opera Nabucco, and Brindisi from Verdi’s La Traviata. As well as accompanying the choir and the visiting soloists, the orchestra entertained the crowd with well-loved pieces such as Beethoven’s fifth symphony and music from Fiddler on the Roof under the guidance of conductor Chris Hawkins. “I’m certain the orchestra was very happy with their whole experience in Gulgong,” Mrs Mitchell said. “They went out for dinner on Saturday and spent some time before and after the concert talking to members of the choir.” The reason for the concert touched many members of the community, who donated money towards Bear Cottage even if they were unable to make it to the show. “I had someone pass me an envelope with a donation yesterday because she was unable to make it to the concert,” Mrs Mitchell said.
The Gulgong Opera House came alive on Sunday afternoon when the Cudgegong Choir and Northern Beaches Symphony Orchestra brought Brindisi to Gulgong.
“The concept was great and there was a good crowd. All in all, we can consider it a success,” Cudgegong Choir director Mary Mitchell said.
Around $3000 was raised for Bear Cottage through tickets sales and raffle tickets according to Mrs Mitchell.
Joined by soprano Sarah Clarke and baritone William Moxey, the concert raised funds for Manly Children’s Hospital Bear Cottage, where Ms Clark works as a part time nurse, singing playful arias as she walks the halls. The cottage provides palliative care to seriously ill children as well as providing respite for their parents.
“It was a wonderful experience for the choir. I’m just glad it worked out as well as it did because you can never quite know if everything will come together in the end,” Mrs Mitchell said.
The Cudgegong Choir performed pieces such as the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s opera Nabucco, and Brindisi from Verdi’s La Traviata.
As well as accompanying the choir and the visiting soloists, the orchestra entertained the crowd with well-loved pieces such as Beethoven’s fifth symphony and music from Fiddler on the Roof under the guidance of conductor Chris Hawkins.
“I’m certain the orchestra was very happy with their whole experience in Gulgong,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“They went out for dinner on Saturday and spent some time before and after the concert talking to members of the choir.”
The reason for the concert touched many members of the community, who donated money towards Bear Cottage even if they were unable to make it to the show.
“I had someone pass me an envelope with a donation yesterday because she was unable to make it to the concert,” Mrs Mitchell said.
CHEERS: William Moxey and Sarah Clarke performing. Photo: DAVID DONOVAN
