High voices in spiritual home return

OPERA was back in its 21st century spiritual home of Tarnagulla on Saturday.

But the Lyster Opera performance Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea stayed connected to the days of Madame Carandini serenading miners of the district.

Dunolly’s Rachel Buckley was in character as the 19th century goldfields diva - really an English singer adopted a more continental name to attract fans in the district.

“She performed in Dunolly and around the district in the 1860s. She was a big opera singer, the Dame Nellie Melba of her time,” said Rachel who told the story of Poppea to a packed Victoria Theatre on Saturday afternoon.

“Madame Carandini followed the money and the gold. Goldminers knew their music and would pay to hear her.

“And I like to use real people in introducing modern audiences to our operas ... Madame Carandini fits will with this year’s season opening.”

Rachel said Lyster Opera had been coming to Tarangulla for more than six years and regarded the town as its spiritual home.

“Audiences are always kind and enthusiastic for our shows that pay homage to the old ways

- no microphones, no flash lights - these old halls were designed for the human voice,” Rachel said.

Saturday’s performance attracted an audience from across central Victoria in a boost for town cafes who served pre-show meals and refreshments.

Lyster Opera will return to Tarnagulla later this year.

Greg lands a top trail prize

INGLEWOOD artist Greg Holland has been awarded the $1000 Tiny Towns Arts trail prize for his oil painting displayed last month.

His work Can something be done about this consumption? was recognised for its high quality.

Greg was selected as the prize recipient by an independent Kay Parkin, former co-ordinator of Central Goldfields Art Gallery, and Kareen Anchen, director of Cascade Art Gallery Maldon, from a lineup of 24 works by local and regional artists.

Mural artist will

visit

MELBOURNE graffiti artist Lukas Kasper will work with Boort District School students designing and painting a mural over two days this month in a collaboration with North Central LLEN.