Opera in the Arboretum 2024

Saturday 23rd March 2024

3:00pm - 5:30pm

Welcome to our 17th Opera in the Arboretum charity event on Saturday 23rd March 2024. Updates will be posted here and on our Facebook page.

About the event

Opera in the Arboretum is an annual charity fundraising event hosted by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy

In 2024 we very pleased to announce a line-up of amazing artists; including tenor Diego Torre, soprano Sophie Salvesani, baritone José Carbó and mezzo soprano Shikara Ringdahl, supported by guest musical artist, harpist Esther Maria, and accompanied by Opera Australia pianist Kate Johnson.  Orchestral music will be provided by the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Patrick Brennan.
 
You’ll hear some of the most beloved arias, duets, and ensembles from opera’s greatest composers, as well as a selection of Neapolitan songs.
 

The information below will help you to have a great day.

About the venue
The venue for Opera in the Arboretum is the unique Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach, an area of 5.5 hectares of native bushland. Featuring Pearl Beach’s indigenous vegetation, the Arboretum includes a rare Burrawang Scrubby Woodland and wetlands, as well as mature indigenous trees and cultivated native plants. 
 
This open-air, all-weather, BYO picnic style event featuring stars of the Opera is held beneath the canopy of trees in the coastal rainforest of the Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach, NSW. Since the event's inception in 2005 hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for deserving causes, charitable organisations and Rotary humanitarian projects
 
Tickets must be presented as a valid receipt of payment for entry to the Opera.  At the entry point this ticket will be exchanged for a WRIST BAND which must be worn throughout the event. Proof of age or concession card may be requested on entry. 
 
Entry is via Pearl Beach Tennis Courts, located at the end of OPAL CLOSE (click to see map).  Access to, and parking, for the event is available only at this entry point.
 
  • Rotary parking marshals will provide directions and indicate disabled parking.
  • Parking elsewhere in Pearl Beach, especially in the vicinity of the Arboretum is limited and may be subject to restrictions.
  • Please be mindful of the residents when parking in side streets and avoid parking across driveways and other vehicle access points.
 
Footware: The pathway from the parking area to the Arboretum amphitheatre is via a natural bush track. Sensible outdoor footwear is recommended. The surface can be uneven and access to the event may be difficult for those using walking frames or wheelchairs. 
 
BYO is the way to go.  The Opera at the Arboretum is a self-catering BYO event.  There will be a coffee cart on site which may have a limited supply of pre-packaged sandwiches and the like.  The Pearl Beach General Store and Café, offers a more substantial menu but is a 20-minute round-trip (approx.) walk from the event site.
 
What to bring/ wear.  Bring a picnic rug / director-style chairs and your food and drinks. If you intend to  bring a small table, it should be no larger than 1 metre square.
 
Be prepared for any weather conditions. Wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions on the day and for the open-air rainforest setting. Long pants, sneakers and socks are recommended. If rain is predicted, bring a waterproof Poncho. Umbrellas cannot be used during the performance. Don't forget a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen - even if it is cloudy overhead.
 
Plan to arrive early as the event will start promptly at 3.00pm and should finish at 5.30pm. You can set up your picnic spot from 10am on the day of the event.
 
Environment/Facilities: The Crommelin Native Arboretum is an ecologically sensitive NO SMOKING precinct.
  • NO DOGS (on or off leash) permitted except for a person with a disability who is accompanied by an assistance dog.
  • Multiple Unisex portable toilets will be available.
  • Bicycles and drones are not permitted. 
  • Please respect the Arboretum and take your rubbish with you when you leave. Bins are located in the Tennis Courts precinct.
 
Medical:  A doctor will be onsite for medical assistance if required.
 
Cancellation: If the event is cancelled by the Event Organiser due to unforeseen circumstances, an email notification will be sent to ticket-holders and a full refund will be issued; otherwise, there will be no refunds.
 
Rotary Club of Woy Woy Inc is the Event Organiser and is solely responsible for all issues relating to the sale of tickets and the operations of the event.
  • Data collected by the Event Organiser will be strictly in accordance with the Privacy of Information Act.
  • The Event Organiser has all rights to film, photo and video production of this event.
  • The Event Organiser reserves the right to refuse entry. Any person who displays unsociable behaviour during the performance will be asked to leave the Arboretum.