Noosa Long Weekend Festival opens with Australia’s best talent
14-26 July 2015
July 14, 2015
The much-anticipated Noosa Long Weekend Festival will open its 13-day program this evening with an exclusive performance of Opera Australia’s production of The Magic Flute.
The festival — which is set to feature more than 75 events at various locations around Noosa — will be held between 14-26 July and incorporate a range of live music, dance, theatre, supper clubs, cabaret, literature, food and visual art events.
Opera Australia Executive Producer Sandra Willis said The Magic Flute performance would mark the first time Opera Australia had toured on the Sunshine Coast, and she was thrilled to be bringing the production to Noosa.
“Opera Australia has been touring regional Australia annually since 1996 and we really relish the opportunity to perform for new communities and audiences,” Ms Willis said.
“We have been overwhelmed by the level of excitement the performance has generated within the Noosa community and look forward to taking to the stage to start the festival off with a bang.”
Festival Director Ian Mackellar said the Noosa Leisure Centre would transform into a sea of colour for the performance, which will include an Egyptian-themed set and costumes straight from the 1930s.
“We are especially excited to have the talented young students from Sunshine Beach State High School involved with the performance. They will be performing in the Regional Children’s Chorus alongside the professional singers, orchestra and crew from Opera Australia, which will be a once in a lifetime experience,” Mr Mackellar said.
“I have no doubt The Magic Flute will thrill the audience tonight and with the show almost completely sold out, the atmosphere is bound to be amazing.”
Mr Mackellar said The Magic Flute was not the only performance that had attracted widespread attention from culture-lovers around Australia, with a large number of Noosa Long Weekend Festival events having sold out in the lead-up to the festival.
“All remaining events are selling quickly, and we expect tickets to the exclusive performance by internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Steinway artist Julian Gargiulo — direct from New York’s Carnegie Hall — and the supper clubs featuring Australian entertainer Rob Mills and festival ambassador Catherine Alcorn will be snapped up quickly.”
“Other highlights include David Williamson’s brand new comedy, Dream Home, which explores the true cost of buying property in Sydney; the various festival forums which tackle key issues facing Australia; and ‘The Psychology of Wine’ five-course degustation dinner being held at Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant, which will see special guests Brian and Evan Mitchell unravel the mysteries within the glass.”
“We are also delighted to welcome back two of Australia’s leading lights of musical theatre and cabaret, Melody Beck and Johanna Allen, in Leading Ladies; and we have the quick-witted and fiery group Los Nachos Trios touring with their ‘Love Tour’ from parts unknown.”
The Noosa Long Weekend Festival will run until 26 July. To find out more or purchase tickets, please visit www.noosalongweekend.com, call The J booking office on (07) 5329 6560 or visit The J at 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction. You can also follow the festival on Facebook or Twitter.
Special festival accommodation packages can be found on the website or at www.visitnoosa.com.au.
Fast facts
• 13-day festival
• 75 ticketed and free events
• 35+ locations around Noosa
• 260+ nationally and internationally acclaimed actors, writers, artists, musicians, performers, film makers, environmentalists and commentators
• 9,000+ tickets on sale
• Ticket information at www.noosalongweekend.com
// Ends.
Media contact:
Helen Perry, Fresh PR & Marketing
0431 065 964
helen@freshprm.com.au
High-resolution images are available.
Whilst all events listed as part of media communication are accurate at the time of release, The Noosa Long Weekend Festival program is subject to change without notice due to circumstances outside of the event organiser’s control.
NOOSA LONG WEEKEND FESTIVAL 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Opera Australia
Prepare to be enchanted, when this new, fully-stage production of The Magic Flute comes to the Noosa Long Weekend Festival, complete with fabulous 1930s costumes, a chamber orchestra and a vibrant cast of singers. (Also featuring a local/Noosa children’s chorus).
7.30pm, Tuesday, 14 July
Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive Noosaville.
Premium reserve – $197.50
AA reserve seating – $102.50
A reserve seating – $87.50
B reserve seating – $82.50
Tiered stadium bench seating – $42.50 (Adult) and $27.50 (Concession/Children (under 16))
All prices include booking fee. No concessions.
An Evening with the Queensland Ballet
Back by popular demand and a sell-out show, the Queensland Ballet will deliver a program that includes beautiful pas de deux and ensemble work from world-class classical ballets and inspired contemporary dance works.
This specially designed program featuring Queensland Ballet dancers and young artists will give audiences a unique insight into our state ballet company, together with a fascinating conversation with Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin.
7.30pm, Friday, 24 July
The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
$77.50 (includes booking fee)
$72.50 – mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)
Dream Home – Written and directed by David Williamson
David Williamson’s brand new comedy about the true cost of buying property in Sydney combines an all-star cast from Sydney and Queensland.
Dana and Paul finally have it all: creative careers, a baby on the way and an apartment in Bondi. They can’t quite believe their luck. As it turns out, they shouldn’t. With an ex-lover, her jealous husband and a kleptomaniac for neighbours, things are bound to get complicated!
FOUR PERFORMANCES
2.00pm and 7.30pm – Tuesday, 21 July and Wednesday, 22 July
The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
Evening performances (7.30pm)
$62.50 (includes booking fee)
$57.50 Mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)
Matinee performances (2pm)
$52.50 (includes booking fee)
$47.50 Concessions and mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)
Julian Gargiulo
Combining rigorous Russian conservatory training with an informal style of presenting classical music, Steinway Artist Julian Gargiulo, direct from the USA, has been receiving standing ovations on both sides of the Atlantic.
Whether performing for thousands of people on Singapore’s Symphony Stage or Carnegie Hall or for an eclectic group of fifty in the 5th Avenue home of the Avery Fisher’s, Julian is able to transmit a unique concert experience to each one present.
7.30pm Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July (second show option – subject to demand)
The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
$67.50 (includes booking fee)
$62.50 – mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)
“Rob Mills is Surprisingly Good” Supper Club
“Rob Mills is Surprisingly Good” is much more than the standard cabaret fare. ‘Millsy’ brings us an eclectic mix of music and stories in an intimate setting with a cracking band and the self-deprecating humour that has seen a nation fall in love with him.
Musically, the show is as unpredictable as him, covering artists as far reaching as Taylor Swift, Queen and Pharell, as well as hits from several of the musicals in which he has appeared; The Last Five Years, Legally Blonde, and of course, Wicked.
8.30pm Thursday, 23 July and Friday, 24 July (second show option – subject to demand)
RACV Noosa Resort
$87.50 (includes booking fee)
This includes a two course supper and glass of wine and supper cabaret performance.
All tables are shared seating and allocated in order of date of booking.
Numbers strictly limited to 100.
[nggallery id=99]
