Orange Civic Theatre is selling tickets to its first show in front of an audience since the COVID-19 restrictions began in March.The theatre is presenting internationally acclaimed soprano Eleanor Lyons and her conductor/pianist husband Vladimir Fanshil on Saturday, October 24 in Wandering Hearts.
Eleanor Lyons
The performing couple is usually based in Vienna and travels around the world to perform, but for now, due to COVID-19 the pair is stranded in Australia and have the opportunity to give recitals together around NSW and ACT.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said it was a significant step forward in returning to normal.
“I am thrilled the time has come for the theatre to be hosting its first show in front of an audience since restrictions were placed on public gatherings,” Cr Kidd said.
“The theatre recently hosted the 2020 Eistedfodd, but unfortunately an audience wasn’t able to be attend. It was a modified program focused at the children competing and it was a great success.”
“Obviously, there are still very strict COVID-19 precautionary measures in place for this performance, and there will be a much smaller audience than what the theatre is used to hosting but I am very pleased to see a sign of normality returning.”
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Scott Munro said Orange would happily take in the “stranded” couple and host them for a night at the theatre.
“Given the restrictions there are limited seats available which will make for perhaps, a more intimate experience,” Cr Munro.
“This is a rare opportunity under extraordinary circumstances that Vladimir and Eleanor are available to come to Orange.”
The program the couple is presenting includes favourite opera arias, undiscovered masterpieces by Gliere, Grieg’s Six Songs op.48, Rachmaninov’s Elegie (for solo piano), and a piece composed especially for them by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin called Wandering Hearts.
Tickets are strictly limited and can be purchased via Ticketek.
Vladimir Fanshil.
