Staff at Ulumbarra Theatre will roll out the red carpet for the opera royalty on Friday.
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New Zealand soprano singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performs at the Bendigo theatre on Friday ahead of her performance at Ballarat’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday.
The two events are the only two Australian performances this year for Dame Kiri, who has had a 50-year career and performed on some of the most iconic stages in the world.
Her decision to sing in Bendigo is a coup for Capital Venues and Events manager David Lloyd and his team at Ulumbarra.
“One of the things we have talked about since we opened the venue was we are able to present someone of the scale of Dame Kiri,” he said.
“She is still one of the most famous divas but she doesn't come cheap. It couldn’t work at The Capital.
“For Bendigo this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to see a diva of this calibre.
“It is likely to be her last tour of Australia, so it is something special for Bendigo and Ballarat.”
In preparing for Dame Kiri’s visit, Ulumbarra will be looking its best.
“We certainly have to go over and above,” Mr Lloyd said.
“One thing opera singers need is humidified air, the room temperature must be perfect because their voices are their instruments, tools and living.
“So to optimise that the air must be humidified and the temperature right.
“Outside of that we will have honey and warm water to help her throat but not much else.
“Once it is all right, there are no worries. It is nothing over the top for someone so important.”
Mr Lloyd will celebrate Capital Venues and Event’s theatre season a a VIP event after the show on Friday.
“We certainly want to celebrate the success and the people who had a role in that success,” he said.
“It is a small function with the important sponsors and supporters to acknowledge them and support they bring.”
As for topping the talent of someone like Dame Kiri in next year’s theatre season?
“It’s going to be hard. We are out there looking but not ready to announce anything,” Mr Lloyd said.