Artistic Director and CEO Lyndon Terracini AM has unveiled his eagerly awaited passion project, the inaugural Handa Opera at Millthorpe – a three-day festival to be staged over Easter next year.
Set in the historic NSW Central West town of Millthorpe, the event will be a feast for the senses, combining some of opera’s finest singers and musicians with glorious, sweeping country vistas, award-winning wineries and gourmet dining.
The three-day program will feature a mix of concerts, recitals, in conversations and open rehearsals opening with a Gala Opera Concert on the Friday night and closing with a Cole Porter & George Gershwin Concert on Sunday.
Terracini says it’s a dream come true to be bringing his beloved opera to Central West NSW where he lives with his wife, opera singer Noëmi Nadelmann.
“It has been a great joy to create this event for the beautiful old Millthorpe Hall, and I want to thank all those who have helped me realise this dream,” said Mr Terracini. “From the tremendously supportive and generous donors to the volunteers who love this wonderful artform as much as I do.”
“I particularly want to thank my dear friend Dr Haruhisa Handa for his unbounded generosity and vision and for his genuine love of the operatic form.”
Handa Opera at Millthorpe will be an opportunity to be up close and personal with some of Australia’s finest singers, with Friday’s opening night Gala Opera Concert featuring audience favourites, who regularly grace the Sydney Opera House stage, soprano Natalie Aroyan, mezzo soprano Agnes Sarkis, baritone Luke Gabbedy and tenor Thomas Strong.
Saturday will see celebrated Italian baritone Giorgio Caoduro perform Gioachino Rossini: The Art of the Virtuoso Baritone, and on Sunday enjoy a showcase performance by opera’s stars of tomorrow plus a Cole Porter and George Gershwin Concert starring Noëmi Nadelmann and André Desponds on piano, will round out a program of world-class performances.
The intimate surroundings of the charming Millthorpe Hall will set the scene for an unforgettable experience of soaring voices and exhilarating orchestrations under the baton of Maestro Paul Terracini featuring Jun Yi Ma on violin and the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra.
Only a 3-hour drive from Sydney, Millthorpe is an utterly charming and character filled country town only minutes away from the vibrant gastronomic Orange region, that features picturesque vineyard dotted hills, historic buildings, country pubs, local farm-gates and cellar doors.
It also boasts one of the finest regional restaurants in NSW. Situated in the heart of the village next door to Millthorpe Hall, Tonic is a foodie destination in itself. Consistently praised for its championing of local produce and innovative menu, it is the dining experience that will cap off a perfect weekend escape.
The inaugural Handa Opera at Millthorpe will run 18 – 20 April 2025. For more information and program, visit: www.operaatmillthorpe.com.au for details.
Image: Lyndon Terracini AM (supplied)