MEDIA RELEASE

OPERATIF! (10th Anniversary!) SEASON - 2004
and Launch of new name....Singing Brisbane.

It was 10 years in July since soprano, Jennifer Parish, launched Brisbane's OPERATIF! with a Sunday afternoon concert at Old Government House. The original concept of a company of local, professional singers has undergone many transformations since then, riding out many storms and challenges to survive in the tough realm of independent Arts. On the occasion of their tenth anniversary, OPERATIF! adopted a new name...Singing Brisbane. The company remains today a much-loved institution for lovers of fine singing and
a broad range of music and vocal styles.

CITY HALL CONCERTS SERIES

With audience numbers steadily rising over the years, Singing Brisbane now bases its regular concert performances in the magnificent Brisbane City Hall, Main Auditorium. In 2004 the company will present Eight Weekday and Five Sunday concerts in the venue. The 90-minute concerts begin at 11am, a time-slot which has proved popular with warm climate patrons.

Themed programs span the whole gamut of vocal music, from Stage Musicals to Viennese Operetta, Traditional British ballads, Hits of the 20s to 40s, Opera and Songs from Europe and more. Each concert features different guest artists ensuring plenty of variety.

Tickets are deliberately low cost to ensure that retired individuals, families and students are all able to attend and enjoy our rich musical heritage.
Tickets are $20, $18 for subscribers and groups and $10 for children and students.

SUNDAYS RETURN

With the Weekday concerts gaining such popularity, Singing Brisbane are now making some of these marvellous programs available to working people and families on Sundays. Sunday ticket prices are the same as for Weekdays with the aim of encouraging families to introduce younger people to this wonderful music and at the same time enabling current Weekday patrons to bring children and grandchildren along to a concert if they wish. Even our youth, who need only risk $10, may find they enjoy some of this old-time unamplified music. With tickets ranging from just $10 to $20, there is now a very appealing Sunday morning activity available in Brisbane.

DINNER CONCERTS (Victoria's Restaurant Brisbane Hilton)

Singing Brisbane hold delightful evenings in the intimate setting of Victoria's, Brisbane Hilton. Patrons, restricted to 100 places, enjoy an elegant dinner experience with wonderful voices and music interspersing each course. These events have proved very popular as a unique evening out, with an opportunity to be 'up close and personal' with a variety of artists. Astute members of the corporate sector have discovered an unparalleled option for corporate entertaining and regularly bring guests along.
The first evening "Stage Sensations," is on April 2nd with a brilliant program of greats from the musicals featuring soprano Jennifer Parish, baritone Stewart Cameron, pianist Regis Danillon and special guest, bass David Hibbard. "Cinema Classics" follows on May 22nd with two more evenings including "Vienna By Night" in the second half of the year.
Singing Brisbane Dinners are $110 all inclusive. Contact Hilton Box Office for details on 3231 3231.

OPERATIF OUT AND ABOUT

Each year OPERATIF! receives invitations to perform at unique Special Events. A highlight last year was a trip to Undara Lava Tubes for "Opera in the Outback," where OPERATIF! artists performed three concerts in a newly built bush amphitheatre. On March 20th OPERATIF! will perform at 'Arias at Sunset' a Zonta fund-raiser, to be held in the lovely gardens of Booval House.
"We really enjoy performing at events like these where people have had the inspiration to identify a magical setting for opera and song and then seen it through to the finished event."
Later in the year OPERATIF! will host a musical tour of NZs North Island. The first OPERATIF! trip to the South Island was so enjoyed, that patrons are keen to see the other half of NZ, enjoying concerts along the way. These trips are organised by RACQ Travel.

SPONSORS

OPERATIF! is delighted to enjoy excellent support from several long-standing sponsors who have identified a unique opportunity for personal contact with 100s of people each year. In 2004 RACQ Travel, Tricare and Trust will once again enjoy a much-valued relationship with a small but successful Arts company which is unparalleled in Australia. Radio 4BC & 4BH continue to lend advertising support also.

Brochures, bookings and information about all OPERATIF!'s 2004 performances can be obtained
by phoning 3399 1110 or at www.operatif.com.au.

Photos can be emailed or supplied as hard copies on request.

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