Summer Opera in the Gardens: Ayrlies

The NBR New Zealand Opera and Auckland Friends of the Opera invite you to an open air concert of popular opera in the magnificent setting of Ayrlies Gardens, Whitford.

An ever popular event with opera lovers, Ayrlies brings the best of New Zealand opera talent together to perform a selection of favourites. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch (or pre-purchase a luxury gourmet food hamper at $45 each), relax on the beautifully manicured lawns below the stage or freely wander over 12 acres of sweeping lawns, ponds, waterways and exquisite plantings to the strains of opera through the trees. Plus! enjoy some extra special treats from The NBR New Zealand Opera's sponsors during the afternoon.

Featuring:
We welcome former Associate Minister of Arts, Culture & Heritage Judith Tizard as compère for the afternoon. The special guest artist performing at Ayrlies 2012 is acclaimed NZ baritone Jared Holt, supported by The NBR New Zealand Opera’s Resident Artists and accompanist David Kelly.

The gardens:
Lovingly tended by Beverley McConnell and her gardeners for over 30 years, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand's best known gardens. Usually open by appointment only, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy these gently rolling gardens east of Auckland.

Gates open at 11am to give you time to explore the grounds and relax over lunch before the concert commences at 2pm. There is plenty of free parking available in the nearby fields and the gardens remain open following the concert until 6pm.

Travelling from out of town?
For all you out of town opera lovers, a special accommodation package has been arranged through Heritage Hotels. Discover more at www.nzopera.com

Hop the Ayrlies bus
For those who'd prefer to hop a bus to and from the event, you can pre-purchase a round trip for $25. The bus pick up and return point will be CityLife Auckland, 171 Queen Street. Discover more at www.nzopera.com

Enquiries: hello@nzopera.co.nz