Do you remember the Drive-ins of the 60s-70s? You do? Well, the Rotary Club of Warracknabeal are revisiting the concept to present a unique live concert for lovers of opera and stage music. On Saturday 30th October, the stage will be set, under the stars with a backdrop of the illuminated Sheep Hills silos, which are part of the Silo Art Trail.
Soprano, Sofia Laursen Habel and tenor, Michael Lapina, will perform their favourite opera and stage musical numbers live to an audience, who will be seated in the comfort of their cars in the large car park. Stereo sound will be transmitted to car radios.
Sofia graduated from the Melbourne Conservatorium Of Music in 2020. She is an engaging singer with experience across various musical genres including opera. Brought up on the family farm just 15km from Sheep Hills, Sofia is extremely passionate about the community and the accessibility of classical music in rural areas. Being involved with the local arts scene has brought her a lot of joy and being able to perform in the countryside where she calls home is incredibly special. Sofia is leaving for Europe in November to further her singing career, so this is a chance for locals to farewell her and wish her well. Michael Lapiña began his professional career in 1988 performing in musicals and touring extensively in Australia and Asia. Michael has been engaged with many of Australia’s leading opera houses to perform some of the most coveted tenor roles in the operatic repertoire. A versatile tenor, Michael is regularly engaged as soloist on the concert, corporate, chamber and oratorio stages.
Sofia and Michael first met by chance at the 2020 Rotary Club of Warracknabeal's changeover dinner. Sofia was performing, and Michael, a Rotarian, was a guest. Just days before the event they were introduced to each other online, quickly prepared a duet, and on the night of the changeover gave a spine tingling rendition of 'The Prayer'. It was a night to remember, just as we hope the Drive-In Opera experience will be.
If you will be in the area, consider joining us. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 19th October. $100 per car. Contact John Aitken 0418103697 or Wendy Hewitt 0427332193. The event is a Rotary fundraiser, with profits going towards Country Education Foundation grants to local students to further their tertiary studies.
