Following the success of last year’s Starlight Pop Opera at the Durban Country Club, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will present the millennium version on June 4 at 17h30. Rand Merchant Bank will again host the event, which will take place under the stars on the practice fairway.

Soloists this year will be Linda Bukhosini and Bongani Tembe and rising mezzo soprano star Nomthandazo Mkhize as well as trumpeter Prince Lengoasa, ballroom dancing and Durban’s own “Riverdance” team. The programme will include opera favourites such as O mio babbino caro (“Oh my beloved father”) (Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi)’, the Jewel Song (Gounod’s Faust), Nessun dorma (Puccini’s Turandot), as well as two works by Lehar, Vilja(The Merry Widow) and You are my heart’s delight (Land of Smiles).

The orchestra, singers and dancers will perform on a specially-constructed stage, with full sound and lighting provided by local expert Ron Selby. A unique acoustic dome is being brought down to Durban to provide a stylish roof over the orchestra. The concert will end with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky.

The Durban Country Club offers picnic baskets for two at R160 which will be filled with a selection of food, utensils and a bottle of wine. Orders must be placed through Cheryl Smith on (031) 313-1777 by May 22.

Tickets R40 (R30 students and pensioners) at Computicket. The audience is invited to bring picnic tables and chairs and suitable refreshment to enjoy the evening. Corporate or block bookings (R35 each for ten or more tickets) from Dianna Martin on (031) 369-9453.

There will be secure parking on the Kings Park rugby fields, across NMR Avenue from the entrance to the fairway.