Opera Queensland rides into Eagle Farm Racecourse for a grand finale
Brisbane Racing Club is proud to host the final performance this month at Eagle Farm Racecourse of Opera Queensland’s Are You Lonesome Tonight, the production celebrating Opera and Country music which is currently wowing crowds across regional and remote Queensland.
Tickets are now on sale for the Sunday 27 June performance at Eagle Farm, priced from $10 for general admission and with a range of hospitality packages available. Gates will open at 3.30pm with the show starting at 5.00pm. Visit brc.com.au for more information and to book.
Are You Lonesome Tonight premiered on 4 May in Rockhampton. By the time it reaches Brisbane it will have travelled more than 8000 kilometres, and been performed in more than 30 communities to close to 7500 people in a range of iconic locations, including the Roma Saleyards, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre – and now Eagle Farm Racecourse.
The production explores the often surprising connections between Opera and Country music through the arias of opera composers such as Puccini and Verdi and songs by country music legends Slim Dusty, Dolly Parton and more. Directed by Laura Hansford alongside designer Penny Challen, the cast is led by versatile soprano Irena Lysiuk, singer-songwriter Marcus Corowa and singer and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Hickey.
Opera Queensland CEO & Artistic Director Patrick Nolan said the tour of Are You Lonesome Tonight, a centrepiece of the company’s 40th birthday celebrations and the most significant regional tour in its history, had been a resounding success.
“Are You Lonesome Tonight is a celebration of two incredible genres that have provided audiences with some of the most iconic songs in the history of music,” said Mr Nolan.
“We are thrilled to be finishing the tour in a setting as magnificent as Eagle Farm Racecourse.”
Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) CEO Tony Partridge said Eagle Farm was an iconic Queensland landmark that was almost as old as the state itself.
“Racing was first run at Eagle Farm in 1865,” Mr Partridge said. “Our club has helped to shape our local community and we are proud to sponsor this production as an inclusive, community event.
“Throughout their tour, Opera Queensland has encouraged people to come to the show in their jeans and boots or their tuxedos and ballgowns – whatever they choose. This will be the case with the experience at Eagle Farm.
“BRC aims to showcase its racecourses as multi-purpose venues by hosting community and arts events. Eagle Farm is a charming location for outdoor events that deserves to be enjoyed by our Members and the community.”
The 27 June performance at Eagle Farm Racecourse further cements ties between BRC and Opera Queensland initiated last year. Establishing connections and supporting the arts is part of BRC’s strategy to promote Brisbane as a destination that provides diverse and quality visitor experiences.
Are You Lonesome Tonight is proudly supported by Beef Australia.