Opera in the Ruins Festival 2008

For the first time in the four year history,every event was sold-out with concert-goers literally 'packed to the rafters.' Lovers of opera and fine music travelled from as far as Western Australia and New Zealand's South Island.

Many of the travelling patrons were Operatif! regulars from our frequent performances in Queensland and beyond. Others had only ever heard us on a recording and combined a holiday with an opportunity to see us 'up close and in the flesh '.

The Minister for Tourism, Norfolk Island, opened the festival at the Welcome Dinner and the audience then sat back and enjoyed a sample of each of the events to follow in the week. Highlights included the haunting Tenor/Baritone duet from Act 4 of Puccini's La Boheme and
the lilting Barcarolle from Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann.

As the week progressed, the highlights kept on coming as the performances covered:

The best of Opera arias, duets and quartets ( including of course Nessun Dorma and the Quartet from Rigoletto )

Beautiful Viennese operetta ( such as The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilia, Maxims and Girls were made to Love and Kiss

Hits from Broadway and The West End ( such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Sound of Music and Westside Story )

Nostalgic ballads and songs from all over the world, including Danny Boy and The Fields of Athenry along with Gilbert & Sullivan, Light Opera,popular classical music for strings, movie themes and much more

We are delighted to announce that we have been invited to return in 2009 for an even bigger event, which will involve four fabulous singers, three piano soloists and a string ensemble.

Operatif already has a number of bookings for 2009. For the very best in corporate and special event entertainment in the field of Opera, Musicals and Song, there is only one Operatif!

Choose from one, two or more !

Operatif! can offer clients just one singer and pianist, a duet of singers or more. Operatif!'s core performers are soprano Jennifer Parish and baritone Stewart Cameron who are always accompanied by one of their brilliant pianists. To this line-up you may like to add one or two of our fabulous guest singers to make a trio or quartet, or perhaps some instrumentalists......a stunning string ensemble or a dashing piano accordianist who will augment a special theme
or mood.

Operatif! artists always costume in glamorous gowns and elegant tails, creating a 'classy' visual image. A dash of humour and a warm presentation style ensures a great rapport with audiences.

Operatif! has produced full seasons of opera for events including the Brisbane Festival. For the past four years we have produced the 'Opera in the Ruins' Festival on Norfolk Island.Given our vast experience, Operatif! has also been invited to create many inaugural events including 'Opera in the Outback', 'Opera in the Rainforest' 'Opera in the Park' and the grand opening of the Noosa Lakeside Amphitheatre..
Nothing is too large for us to put together for you.

Discover what makes Operatif! unique


I would be delighted to assist you in providing the best for your clients and invite you to visit our website to discover what makes Operatif! so unique.

Please note that Operatif! is not registered with any agencies and our entertainment can only be accessed by contacting us direct. Please complete an Enquiry Form
( below ) or phone/email us when you are putting together your next event.
We would love to work with you.

Jennifer Parish, Soprano and Director , Operatif!

** NEW : Video samplers now available at
www.youtube.com/operatif