Advertisement

Artists give to future Kimberley musicians

Kimberley students show off their musical talent to Opera Under the Stars director Mary-Attracta Connolly. Picture: Nicola Kalmar

More than $8000 was raised to help nurture the talents of future Kimberley musicians, thanks to the huge success of this year's Opera Under the Stars fundraising art auction.

Each year, to help celebrate the premiere event, Opera Under the Stars launches its Oper-Arte initiative, designed to provide a platform for the intermingling of opera and the world of visual art.

An artist is invited to present an exhibition of work embodying the theme of Opera Under the Stars, the Kimberley and Broome.

An original artwork donated by the artist is then auctioned off, with proceeds used to help children in the West Kimberley increase their access to musical instruments and materials.

This year, to celebrate Oper-Arte's milestone 10th anniversary, Kimberley artist Mark Norval was approached to present his Retrospective exhibition, which was launched on August 29.

As a result of generous donations, the six schools of Broome, the three schools of Dampier Peninsula and La Grange Remote Community School at Bidyadanga, each received an $850 voucher for musical instruments.

A special presentation attended by representatives from Kimberley schools was organised at Troppo Sound - a long-term supporter of Opera Under the Stars.

Opera Under the Stars director Mary-Attracta Connolly said she was delighted with the huge success of Opera, and said this year's Oper-Arte had been particularly special because of the community's tremendous support.

"There was something about it that was different, that had an extra depth of feel," she said.

"There was a true awareness and people really understood what we were trying to do.

"It brought out the community spirit which was so wonderful."

Broome Senior High School principal Saeed Amin welcomed the generous donation for his school and said Opera Under the Stars had provided fantastic support to budding musicians throughout the region.

"For opera to support (students) over 10 years has been outstanding across the Kimberley," he said.

"To give kids access to music and instruments is powerful learning."

_Known as the "art exhibition with a difference that makes a difference", Oper-Arte has raised more than $75,000, helping enhance Kimberley children's access to musical instruments. _