Underground Opera Has Risen in Newcastle Cathedral

The Underground Opera Company (UOC) will celebrate 15 years of presenting 'extraordinary performances in breathtaking spaces' to audiences across Australia when they present Operarte at Newcastle Cathedral on 28 October. The performance will be the extraordinary result of the marriage of art and opera.

"Operarte will combine our exceptional live concert performances of Arias from popular opera with a dash of musical theatre, as well as the visual spectacle of ARC Living Master Artist, Mr Gordon Hanley's photo-realistic, gold point artworks. These masterpieces are drawn with 24ct gold, silver and platinum," said Underground Opera Director Mr Bruce Edwards.

"I was introduced to the Christ Church Cathedral at the bequest of Trevor Richards OAM from Morpeth Gallery, who provided Gordon Hanley's sublime masterpieces for the Operarte performance and exhibition. This exhibition will include 20 artworks that Mr Hanley has created to best represent each individual Aria in the evening's programme.

Time-lapse photographs are taken and combined to create a visually moving masterpiece. These moving masterpieces will be projected onto the Cathedral's Screen behind the opera singers, creating a magical backdrop for the live performance.

Operarte in the Cathedral will feature UOC stars Soprano Rebecca Cassidy, MezzoSoprano Louise Dorsman, Tenor Mr Glenn Lorimer and Baritone Jon Maskell, accompanied by the incredible Mark Connors on piano. The program for this show will elate anyone wanting to experience opera for the first time whilst the amazing performances of the world-class cast will satisfy the most ardent opera aficionado. From Phantom of the Opera to Nessun Dorma and everything in between, be prepared to laugh, cry and cheer at Opera in the Cathedral.

Tickets for Operarte are $60 - $95 and are available from UOC's website at www. undergroundopera.com.au.