Opera At Jimbour Returns To The Western Downs

The opera returns to the Western Downs on Saturday 27 July with Opera at Jimbour melding high art together with fine wine, fresh food and a regional Queensland spirit of fun.

An event produced by Queensland Music Festival since 2003 and presented in partnership with Opera Queensland and Western Downs Regional Council, Opera at Jimbour is now a Queensland institution. Each year the festival brings thousands of people from across the state and beyond to celebrate music, culture and local produce at the historic Jimbour House Estate under the glorious Western Downs winter sun.

In celebration of Queensland Music Festival's 20th year, the 2019 event will deliver a spectacular new Gala program of opera favourites from some of Australia's biggest stars including internationally celebrated tenor Rosario La Spina, soprano Sarah Crane, mezzo soprano Hayley Sugars, baritone Shaun Brown and more. The line-up of talented artists will surely surprise and delight both aficionados as well as those new to the artform, or those just looking for a great day out with a nice glass of bubbles.

The event also welcomes renowned conductor Vanessa Scammell as well as Queensland opera favourite Jason Barry-Smith as the event's MC and director, and the celebrated Queensland Youth Orchestra.

The gala promises to not only bring opera to Western Queensland, but to bring Western Queensland to the Opera. A country experience with a classical twist, Opera at Jimbour brings great local produce, market stalls and of course fine wine to create a luxury festival experience that is a must-see event for regional Queenslanders and city-dwellers alike.

"We are incredibly proud of our Opera at Jimbour program and are positive that both long-time patrons of the event and newcomers will be delighted with this year's event changes and lineup of opera classics," said QMF Artistic Director Katie Noonan. "Music is for everyone and our carefully curated gala will be a world-class showcase of opera in one of the most picturesque settings imaginable-the warm winter sun and crisp country air on a Queensland cattle station steeped in history. We welcome everyone to come and experience the joy of music and the glorious Western Downs at this uniquely Queensland event."

"Opera at Jimbour is one of our favourite events, there is nothing quite like the beauty of Jimbour House and the warmth and generosity of the audiences. We are thrilled to bring some of Queensland's and Australia's finest performers together to sing operatic favourites, from Mozart to Verdi to Puccini, and more, it is going to be a great celebration of fine music amongst friends," said Patrick Nolan, Artistic Director of Opera Queensland.

The new format promises a full day of entertainment with gates opening at 10:00 am for the public to view the pre-show rehearsal, bring a picnic or feast on local cuisine and sing along to favourite opera classics before the main event begins at 2:30 pm. The event will also provide free parking, free entry to children under 12 and a range of camping and accommodation options creating a country weekend away for families like no other.

Improved sound and visuals, upgraded amenities, more food options, better transport and facilities management are just some of the improvements put in place at this year's festival, designed to maintain a high-end patron experience while retaining an affordable, family-friendly and truly unique Western Downs experience.

Early Bird Tickets go on sale Monday 18 March from 9:00 AM. For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit operaatjimbour.com

OPERA AT JIMBOUR 2019
Saturday 27 July - Jimbour House

Early Bird General Admission $36.00 (Includes Booking Fee)
Children (0-12) Free
Youth (13-17) $18.00 (includes booking fee)
Concession $28.00 (includes booking fee)
Family (2 Youth, 2 Adults) $98.00 (includes booking fee)
General Admission $42.00 (includes booking fee)

A $3.00 Booking Fee is included in all digital sales. Tickets sold at the door will not incur a booking fee.

Opera at Jimbour is presented by Queensland Music Festival, Western Downs Regional Council, Opera Queensland and Russell Pastoral Company, and supported by AGL Energy, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Tourism & Events Queensland & Empire Theatres.

Opera at Jimbour is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It's Live! in Queensland events calendar, worth $800m to the state's economy in 2019.

Queensland Music Festival is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Queensland Music Festival is a statewide celebration of music with a vision to transform lives and communities through music.