Haunting Strains of Opera in the Ruins

The convict colony ghosts that make Norfolk Island the most haunted place in Australia might be spooked themselves next February when the spirited voices of baritones, tenors and sopranos echo through the penal remains during the Opera in the Ruins Festival. Click here for the flyer.

The colourful summer festival, running from February 18-23, 2008, will feature six opera events at venues across the island including two major performances accompanied by champagne drinks in a grand marquee nestled amongst the ruins of Norfolk's infamous convict settlement.

Headlining the festival will be the popular Operatif! opera and song company featuring soprano Jennifer Parish, baritone Stewart Cameron and pianist Lynne Sterling Jordan. Together with the Queensland Pops Trio, the performers will regale opera buffs with a mix of popular opera, operetta, string classics, ballads, stage songs and cinema classics.

"Opera in the Ruins is now firmly one of the most popular events on the island's social calendar and we are delighted to have such a talented cast to head the bill," said Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Steve McInnes.

"Between concerts, visitors will have time to swim at our beautiful beaches, snorkel in the coral lagoon, paddle kayaks, bag a low-tax shopping bargain, ride a bike, take a forest hike, feast on local fish at sunset at our famous clifftop banquets, play one of the world's most scenic golf courses or just laze under a pine tree and enjoy the tranquility," Mc McInnes said.

Visitors will also be able to explore the historic but spooky convict settlement and seaside cemetery where the island's legendary ghosts might lurk. Because of its tortured history, Norfolk Island sports more documented ghosts per square kilometre than any other place in Australia, according to the official Ghost Guide to Australia by Richard Davis.

Norfolk Select has special 'Opera in the Ruins' holiday packages including return flights, Australian airport taxes, seven nights twin share accommodation, airport transfers, island tour and a full Opera in the Ruins package comprising six events, three dinners and two afternoon teas. The package is available from $1503 per person from Brisbane, $1546 per person from Newcastle and $1569 per person from Sydney, with add-on flights available from other centres. Conditions apply. Call Norfolk Select toll-free on 1800 724 400 or visit www.norfolkselect.com.au. For general information on Norfolk Island visit www.norfolkisland.nf

Media contacts:
Andrew Mevissen/Bill Gray
MG Media Communications
Ph 02 9904 0011

Issued: August 2, 2007