Things to do  |  12 Feb 2020

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Christchurch’s Deep South Lazy Sundays will finish on a very high note with Opera in the Gardens.

The soaring sounds of Mozart, Donizetti and Verdi will fill the air as New Zealand Opera and Atlas Voices combine forces for an afternoon of outdoor opera on the Archery Lawn in the Botanic Gardens this weekend.

The free concert features Christchurch soprano Amanda Atlas and tenor soloist Andrew Grenon, along with the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus accompanied by Head of Music Lindy Tennent-Brown, and led by Atlas Voices musical director Ravil Atlas.

Classical guitarist Richard c Wallis will perform from 3pm to set the scene.

Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore says that Opera in the Gardens brings a fresh edge to Deep South Lazy Sundays.

“For long-time opera lovers and novices alike, Opera in the Gardens offers a superb afternoon of stunning music in an equally stunning setting,” Ms Blackmore says.

“It is a rare opportunity to hear these amazing voices in our central city Gardens.

“All you have to do is bring a rug or outdoor chair and settle back as these wonderful operatic works float across the Archery Lawn.”

The stage is set for Opera in the Gardens – the final event for Deep South Lazy Sundays this summer – from 3.30pm.

For theatrical fans of all ages, Treasure Island also bows out on Sunday with two final performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm in the Botanic Gardens.

The Anthony Harper Summer Theatre and Rollicking Entertainment production has been a major drawcard over the past few weeks, attracting many young pirates and their families to the Weather Station Lawn.

“A fabulous world of buried gold, treasure maps and sword fights has been a big hit as children and adults alike set sail for adventure,” Ms Blackmore says.

“Families have a final chance to dive into the action on Sunday as we bid farewell to another successful season of Summer Theatre in the Botanic Gardens.”

Getting to the Botanic Gardens is easy, with the Metro Yellow bus (routes 80 and 17) stopping near the Weather Station Lawn. There are also several car park options for opera and theatre fans while bike stands are available in the Gardens car park off Armagh Street.

However, you cannot bring bicycles or electric scooters into the Gardens.

Ahoy! Treasure Island will cast off on Sunday.