Greetings from Patricia, an update of where we've been and where we are going! (May 2003)

Venice on New Year's Eve was just superb. A group of 10 friends asked me to take them there. There were few tourists, it was less expensive, family and friends joined in, we loved our operas, especially La Traviata in Venice and a concert in Vivaldi's church. Venice, Bologna, Genoa, Rome and Verdi's gourmet town of Parma were so beautiful in winter sunshine. Why don't you think about Venice for next New Year's Eve with your friends?

I leave on 27 April for my Italian for Opera Singers School in Tuscany. Wyn Davies is again our maestro and we have three sopranos for our Concert in the Villa, Andrea Munro, Timua Brennan and Anna Leese, last year's winner of the Mobil Song Quest. Generous sponsors contributed to their scholarships. It is an invaluable experience for them to learn Italian in Italy for future roles.

Sydney in February was splendid with Jonathan Lemalu and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in Don Giovanni. What a triumph and how proud we were of these two outstanding international New Zealanders.

So many of you have asked if I am planning a tour to Adelaide for The Ring in November 2004 that I have started making arrangements, and yes I have managed to get 10 top class tickets! So be in quick if you are interested!

Due to global uncertainty and now Sars I am finding that many of you want to stay nearer home this year and come with me to Italy in 2004 when La Fenice in Venice and La Scala Milan will reopen.

Here is an exciting programme of forthcoming weekend opera breaks in Australia and Christchurch. Come and join us! We always have such fun, conviviality, companionship and much lively discussion on our operas!

Programme 2003

Christchurch , 19-20 July
'Lakmé' by Delibes, famous for "The Bell Song" and "The Flower Duet". An opera gem presented by Canterbury Opera with Jaewoo Kim from Opera Australia and Jared Holt. Visit Ohinemutu, Sir Miles Warren's gardens and art gallery, Akaroa and nearby vineyards. The Christchurch Arts Festival is also on. Accommodation at Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly Parkroyal).

Sydney , 31 July - 4 August
Opera Australia: 'Salome' by R. Strauss, with Richard Greager and Jud Arthur, Madama Butterfly by Puccini in a stunningly beautiful production, and Verdi's Otello conducted by Simone Young with Richard Margison. Optional tours: Opera Australia's workshops and Opera House. 4 nights' accommmodation at Hotel Intercontinental each room with splendid view of Sydney Harbour.

Adelaide, 4 - 8 August
After Sydney on to gourmet Adelaide or meet us there. Teddy Tahu Rhodes stars in 'Dead Man Walking' by Jake Heggie, a new opera from the successful book, film and San Francisco Opera production where Teddy also sang the lead role to much acclaim. 4 nights' accommmodation, visits to vineyards and Barossa Valley, galleries, gardens.

Sydney , 11-14 September
Opera Australia presents 'Lulu' by Berg, with Emma Matthews as Lulu and Conal Coad as the AnimalTrainer/Acrobat, 'Eugene Onegin' by Tchaikovsky with the great Russian baritone Vladimir Chernov, both conducted by Simone Young. 'The Pearl Fishers' by Bizet (optional extra). Optional tours: Opera Australia workshops and Sydney Opera House. 3 nights' accommmodation at Hotel Intercontinental each room with splendid view of Sydney Harbour.

Christchurch 25-27 October, Labour weekend
'La Traviata' by Verdi, with Viktoria Dodoka as Violetta, directed by Ira Siff from New York. Costs and programme to be advised

Melbourne 4-7 December
'Salome' by R. Strauss with Margaret Medlyn, 'Cinderella' by Rossini and 'Tosca' by Puccini (optional) with Jud Arthur. Time to do your Christmas shopping in splendid Melbourne! Costs and programme to be advised

Programme 2004

North Italy May 2004, 3 weeks
Villa in Tuscany with singers and a maestro, operas in cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. Costs and programme to be advised

South of Rome and Sicily, October. 2004, 3 weeks
Study and culture tour. Costs and programme to be advised

Adelaide , 15-23 November 2004
'The Ring of the Nibelung' by Wagner, the first Australasian production of the Ring Cycle. Costs and programme to be advised

or how about a group of friends to Italy for New Year?

For more information please contact Patricia Hurley