Operatunity Newsletter Season Launch 2018 is looking to be our biggest year yet! With eight concert tours and 16 trips, our performers and escorts are ready to give you the best experiences and memories with Operatunity. In 2018 we are re-vamping everyone’s favourites like the Rat Pack and our pantomime and introducing new concerts like Divas & Divos and Tennessee Waltz! We have put together spectacular trips for 2018, both nationally and internationally, including New Caledonia on Bastille Day with Suzanne Lynch, Sue, John, Bonnie and Karl to entertain, Tasmania with singalongs by John and Lynette, and Samoa with both our own musicians and the Samoan singers, cultural performances, children’s school choir and church services. It is going to be a year of fun and fantasy and we invite you all to join us! Season Pass Buying a Season Pass is the most economical way to attend Operatunity shows. Season Pass holders get access to special concert offers and the first 200 people to book will be sent a free 2018 Operatunity Calendar. Buying a 2018 Season Pass before December 19 also automatically puts you in the draw to win a trip for two on our Frolicking in the Far North trip in March 2018. Call our lovely team at the office to purchase your season pass now or purchase at your next concert!

Prize Giveaway for Season Pass holders We are giving away a trip for two in 2018!

Our trip up for grabs is Frolicking in the Far North, March 12-19. Frolicking This tour explores the beauty and the history of the north, in the Far North from bustling Auckland to the very top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. This tour matches each beautiful setting with iconic concerts such as How Does Your Garden Grow at Arylies Garden, Wine, Women and Song at Marsden Estate vineyard and Mystic Melodies at Russell’s Christ Church. Our escorts Sue, Karl and Tizane will be adding their own special flavour to these fabulously themed concerts. Enter this amazing competition by purchasing a 2018 Season Pass by December 19 and you are automatically in the draw. The winner will be drawn on Music, Shakespeare, Ayrlies Garden, December 19 at the last concert for 2017 in Botany. Call our Bay of Islands, History, Scenery 12 ~ 19 MARCH 2018 fantastic office team to purchase your season pass now! Ask us to post you a full itinerary for any of these trips or download from our website. Or download from our website: www.operatunity.co.nz P: 0508 886 489 E: [email protected] Welcome to the 2018 Concert Series

As we launch our 2018 concert brochure, John and I are very excited to be moving CDs & DVDs

Operatunity Ltd is a company specialising in extraordinary musical and travel Relive the melodies & magic of the concertsexperiences. In 2016 it celebrates its SONG fifteenth anniversary, having presented If You’re Irishwell Come over into 2,000 concerts in a wide range the Parlour/When Irish Eyes are Smilingof musical genresCOMPOSER/ARTIST since its formation. into our 17th year of Operatunity. All musical tastes are catered for with MacNamara’s Band mainstream,Shaun popular Glenville & repertoire Frank Miller/Ernest ranging R Ball Marian’s Jigset (The Sailor’s Hornpipe/from grand opera, music theatre, classical at home with our concert CDs and DVDs.I’ll Tell Me Ma) Sham PERFORMER/S strings, 50sus O’Connor and 60s songs, Art Deco, Whiskey in the Jar big band era, to music hall and old time Traditional Singalongs Ireland, Mother Ireland

Bodhran Hardshoe Traditional All

Ray mond Loughborough The Stuttering Lovers Marian musicals delivered with professionalism,Rhythmic Dance a touch of the ridiculous and with We have never lost the zeal and enthusiasm for what we do, who We have our Rat Pack (DVD only), The Legend of lots of sentimentality. Alex Barney Duffy Herbert Hughes

Operatunity is owned by husband and wife team John Cameron andJohn Susan with Alex Phil the Fluter’s Ball & Lynette Boland and is proud to Marianhave Burnsemployed numerous New Zealand professional A Little Bit of Heaven Serena & Marian resident singers and musicians throughout the years in its 8 national seasons My Wild Irish Rose W P Fre of concerts and up to 14 national and international musical tripsLynette annually. nch Ernest R Ball Danny Boy Operatunity was founded over 15 years Marian we meet and who we have the privilege of working with. We When Irish Eyes are Smiling, 3 Tenors Chauncey Olcott ago and is owned and managed byGalway Bay/The Black Velvet Band Alex, Maria Fred E Weatherly & Lynette husband and wife team Susan Boland n and John Cameron. Molly on the Shore John & Lynette Dr. Arthur Colahan How are Things in Glocca From a small audience of nine in Orewa S ARIA Morra erena for our first concert, we now present Percy Grainger Pokarekare Ana Slip Jig (Stolen Kiss) Marian & All over 200 shows throughout New Zealand Burton Lane La Donna e Mobile Ope look forward to another wonderful year ahead with exceptional RA annually. Once in a Lifetime Singalongs & A Soprano, and our Waitomo/C Caves Omp Ronan Hardiman O Soave Fan P H Tomoana O The name Operatunity may conjure up seR Swallow Tail Jig Paul c images of just classical, formal repertoire Soave Sia il Ventoiulla Rigoletto/Verdi A Arr. by Paul Carnegie-Jones RtIst/s Toss the Feathers but our name is a play on the words Lynet

Un’aura Amorosa La Boheme/Puccini Elisha and All Traditional Celtic Tune te Community Church, Nelson Church, Community

“Opera” and “Tunes”.Ireland’s We present Call variety Hope at live Recorded Derek, Bonnie, Toreador’s Song Cosi Fan Tutte/Mozart Serena Cameron Traditional

Letter Duet Cosi Fan Tutte/Mozart Sue and Derek John Phil Co ult tours and concerts. /Bizet Andrea, Elisha, Matt er Opera Gala recordedSoftly Awakes Myconcerts Heart Marian & Serena Marriage of Figaro/ Fidelio Quartet Cameron Mozart shows that cover many different themes and recorded genres. live These at include Marian & Serena Samso Hope Community Church, Nelson

The Flow Saint-Saensn Matt and All & D operatic classics, celebrations of songs from bygone eras and tributes to All er Song elilah/ Producer: John Cameron Ave Maria Fidelio/Beethoven some Sueof theand Aworld’s most famous artists. Audio engineer: Shane Clayton No matter thendrea style of music, we always bring you our own special flair. The N Carmen Elisha with Cameron Filmed by: NakedEye Digital Vision Waitomo Caves uns’ Chorus /Bizet OurAndrea, artists Elisha, are carefully chosen for their talent and professionalism while E Lucevan le Stelle Schubert available on CD for $20 and DVDmaintainingCameron, Matt a unique sense of fun, warmth and style in all performances. Presented by

Norma Duet Casanova/Strauss DerekWe strive to craft a show with an infectious atmosphere that everyone Over the past year, John and I have been pondering the price Ritorna Vincitor /Puccini Sue can enjoy. Rigoletto Quartet Norma/Bellini Sue, Andrea, Elisha Opera Galawww.operatunity.co.nz All Copyright Clearance via AMCOS. Pearl Fishers Duet Aida/Verdi Bonnie Music, laughter and camaraderie are some Lakme Duet Rigoletto/Verdi Sue of life’s joys and are what Operatunity provides and Elisha Recorded live at Hope

for $25. Pick themNessun up Dorma throughThe Pearl Fishers/Bizet Andrea through our spectacular shows. Community Church, Nelson Recorded live at Waitomo Caves, New Zealand New Caves, Waitomo at live Recorded Brindisi Lakme/Delibes Sue, Presented by Operatunity Derek, Elisha, Matt structures for our concerts. We have come up with a rather Turandot/Puccini Bonnie and Matt La Traviata/Verdi Andrea and Elisha

Derek, Bonnie, Cameron

Ruapuha UekahaWith Hapu Trust; our Department heartfelt of Conservation; thanksAll Waitomo to: Caves Choir, our office or at yourCameron Barclay – lighting, John Ash - Assist with lighting, Tourism Holdings Limited, radical new pricing structure which is explained more fully later Karen O’Halloran and all the team at Waitomo Caves.Waitomo Caves

next concert! Operatunity was founded over 15 years Presented by ago and is owned and managed by in the newsletter and in the brochure. The aim of this new system Opera Gala husband and wife team Susan Boland Operatunity is owned by husband and and John Cameron. wife singers, Susan Boland and John From a small audience of nine in Orewa www.operatunity.co.nz Cameron. Operatunity presents high All Copyright Clearance via AMCOS. for our first concert, we now present quality, inclusive, musical experiences over 200 shows throughout New Zealand through its variety daytime concerts annually. and its specially crafted national and Recorded live at Waitomo Caves, NewThe Zealand name Operatunity may conjure up international travel. Since its inception images of just classical, formal repertoire is to have a wider range of price points with a more worthwhile nearly 12 years ago, Operatunity has but our name is a play on the words presented over 2000 shows to more Presented by Operatunity “Opera” and “Tunes”. We present variety than half a million people throughout New Zealand as well as performed thousands of songs and provided

Recorded live at Hope shows that cover many different themes and genres. These include discount for those who buy a season ticket or a Pick ‘n’ Mix ticket, Community Church, Nelson operatic classics, celebrations of songs from bygone eras and tributes to some of the world’s most famous artists. Presented by Operatunity Presented by Operatunity more than 10,000 work opportunities for the incredibly talented artists Recorded live at Waitomo Caves, New ZealandNo matter the style of music, we always bring you our own special flair. that we have in NZ. Our artists are carefully chosen for their talent and professionalism while maintaining a unique sense of fun, warmth and style in all performances. We strive to craft a show with an infectious atmosphere that everyone that is those who come to a significant number of concerts over can enjoy.

Music, laughter and camaraderie are some of life’s joys and are what Operatunity provides the year. As we all get used to this new system please do not through our spectacular shows. hesitate to talk to us at the concert or ring the office for further Calendars clarification. Our 2018 calendars are now available, and the first 200 people Enjoy our exceptional 2018 programme of concerts and travel to purchase a 2018 Season Pass will receive one free! These and thank you for your continued loyalty and enthusiasm for calendars include all New Zealand public holidays and come with what we do. Operatunity stickers so you never miss a concert! With love and thanks,

Sue Boland and John Cameron

2018

TOURING NZ 5TH JUNE TO 6TH JULY 2018 We rock around the clock to the greatest hits of the 50s and 60s including Rock ‘n Roll, crooners, swing and pop! Starring Suzanne Lynch (The Chicks), Pat Urlich (Peking Man), Bonnie, Karl and the band; we are in for a shaking, rattling and rolling good time!

S M Gift Vouchers T W T JUNE 2018 Does your friend or family member love S F 03 M 01 S 04 T 02 05 Operatunity concerts? W 06 T S Queen’s Birthday 07 F 10 M 08 S Do you want to introduce them to the concerts 11 T 09 12 W 13 T you love so much? S 14 F 17 M 15 S 18 T 16 19 W Why not present them with an Operatunity 20 T S 21 F 24 M 22 S Daytime Concerts gift voucher! 25 T 23 26 W 27 T 28 These can be purchased by ringing the fabulous TO BOOK: www.operatunity.co.nz F 29 S office team. 30 CALL TOLL FREE 0508 266 237 Welcome to the Phone toll free: 0508 266 237 Concert News Email: [email protected] 2018 Concert Series www.daytimeconcerts.co.nz

Fantastic array of concerts in 2018! Our concert preparations are in full swing and 2018 is looking to be a year filled with laughter, melodies, opera and antics. Opening with Luck of the Irish, we’ll laugh at the odd Irish joke and be amazed by virtuoso fiddling. Following this will be Rat Pack Returns; back with a band we will enjoy classic numbers with some antics along the way. Luck of the Irish Rat Pack Returns! Our next concert is all up to you! In a concert we call Because You Jan ~ Feb 2018 Feb ~ Apr 2018 Asked For It, concert-goers request songs you want to hear from our performers Karl, Alex, Tizane, Rebecca, Stu and Penny. By entering, you automatically go into the draw to win a trip for two on our Taranaki Tour, where you will experience the annual garden festival and the natural attractions of the West Coast. Sign up to our email mailing list to keep up to date and receive an official entry form. Now loosen those hips because Rock ‘n Roll will be taking over the stage in our show Shake, Rattle & Roll, where Bonnie, Karl and our Because You Asked For It Shake, Rattle & Roll band are joined by special guests Pat Urlich and Suzanne Lynch! Apr ~ May 2018 Jun ~ Jul 2018 The Golden Era of Musicals follows, with Sue & John as our own Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald and our music theatre specialists, with memorable melodies from the likes of Show Boat, My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. Our next concert Tennessee Waltz showcases songs by the likes of Dolly Parton, Connie Francis and Doris Day, performed by guest stars Marian Burns, Suzanne Lynch and Karen Davy. Divas & Divos follows, reviving some of the greatest singers of all time including Mario Lanza, , Maria Callas and Pavarotti, in a The Golden Era of Musicals Tennessee Waltz similar multimedia biography style to our 2015 Mario Lanza concerts. Jul ~ Aug 2018 Sep ~ Oct 2018 And last but certainly not least, we invite you to celebrate Christmas with laughter and tomfoolery with our ugly sisters Bonnie and Karl in Cinderella - A Christmas Pantomime. Price Restructure In 2018, we are changing our pricing structure to provide a more significant discount to loyal concert-goers, and have more group ticket Divas & Divos Cinderella options. Oct ~ Nov 2018 Nov ~ Dec 2018 Firstly, our Pick ‘n’ Mix ticket lets you choose and pay for four or more concerts at $30 per ticket. Remaining Shows Starting at $120, the Pick ‘n’ Mix tickets must be paid for in advance to After our August-September flag waving and fun concert, the Last Night receive the $30 discount price. of the Proms, a concert of hits from the Fabulous 50’s, with Karl and Group discounts will start from groups of 5 or more! special guests Suzanne Lynch and Pat Urlich singing songs from Doris • Groups of 5+ = $32 Day, Connie Francis, and Elvis. • Groups of 10+ = $31 Sue, John, Bonnie, Karl, Lynette and Paul see us off with classic Christmas • Groups of 30+ = $30 and one free ticket for the group organiser songs in our final concert Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, to Please note that group prices will be strictly adhered to. finish the year with cheer! And finally, the price for a standard ticket, whether purchased in advance or on the day, will be $35. A standard ticket is suited to those who want the flexibility of booking and paying as you go for 3-or-less tickets or on a one-off basis. As usual these include all tickets bought online and through the office, or at the door on the day. We thank you for your support, and any questions you may have about this new price structure can be answered by our helpful office team. Phone toll free: 0508 886 489 Travel News Email: [email protected] SUMMARY OF TRIPS www.operatunity.co.nz/travel/

Operatunity is all about music and we are delighted to confirm the following musical content for 2018 trips. More details will come as 2018 show and opera programmes are announced. All the trips for 2017 are selling extremely well, with the only remaining availability being 1 room on Be WOWed in Wellington (September) and 8 spaces on Norfolk Music Festival (October/November).

For 2018, space available as follows: Delve into the Deep South New Caledonia Music Festival (February) Match-up required (June) Spaces available

Summary Frolicking in the Far North Canada & Alaska Highlights: (March) 7 Spaces left (July/August) 2018 Toll Free: 0508 886 489 | email: [email protected] | www.operatunity.co.nz SOLD OUT - Waitlist available Bldg C, Unit 2, 4 Pacific Rise, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060 | PO Box 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644, New Zealand

Sydney Spectacular Opera & Shows Italy Opera Tour Southern Lakes & Fiords (March) Spaces available (July/August) Spaces available (October) Spaces available

Music on the Murray Discover the Northern Territory Tasmania, National Parks (April) 6 Spaces left and Ghan (August) Spaces available & History (October/November) Spaces available

Russia – Waterways of the Tsars Croatia & Slovenia – Cruising Taranaki Garden Spectacular (May) (April) 12 Spaces left the Adriatic (August/September) & Chateau (October/November) SOLD OUT - Waitlist available Spaces available

Show Boat on the Mississippi Samoa Festival of Music Musical Gems of Europe at with New York (May) (September) Limited spaces left Christmas (November/December) SOLD OUT - Waitlist available 12 Spaces left

Featured Trip: Sydney We are delighted to announce our Sydney 2018 trip to experience the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Next year the opera is Puccini’s greatest masterpiece La Bohéme which we will see with harbour bridge and Sydney Opera House as our backdrop. The trip will go in late March. We have confirmed seats for La Bohéme and an Opera Gala concert at the Sydney Opera House, presented by stars of . The trip will include one more show, tentatively Mamma Mia plus 2 dinner shows presented by Sue & Karl.

Musical Highlights Russia Music on the Murray In Russia we attend the Bolshoi Opera in We will be touring with some of New Zealand’s Moscow and now confirmed tickets for best musicians including concert pianist Stephen De the ballet, Sleeping Beauty at the famous Pledge, violinist Jessica Hindin, the 3 tenors, Sue and Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg plus Amanda Atlas and we are delighted to announce confirmed Russian folklore concert, Moscow Rutene Spooner from It’s Rainin’ Men will be Circus and Red Army Choir. presenting his One Man Show!

Italy Musical Gems of Europe Carmen and Aida at the Roman We journey to four musical “capitals” of the world at Amphitheatre in Verona - tickets now Christmas & experience Advent & Christmas concerts, confirmed. This trip includes at least seven Vienna Boys Choir Mass, at least three operas, special operas or opera concerts throughout Italy, events like private concerts in Godollo Castle & the including an opera at the Puccini Festival magnificent Academy of Science building in Budapest, in Lucca. Mozart Advent Concert in Salzburg & Strauss concert in Vienna.