Five minutes with Marina Prior

Posted on 7 February, 2019

 You’ve seen her take the stage in some of Australia’s most beloved musicals and her epic performances at Carols by Candlelight.

But now, you have the chance see home-grown opera superstar Marina Prior in the flesh at a very special performance at Braidwood’s Mona Farm later this month.

Fresh off her 2018 national tour with David Hobson, Marina will be performing with The Canberra Wind Symphony and renowned pianist David Cameron for one unmissable night on Saturday 23 February which will include family-friendly atmosphere, sculpture installations and a fireworks finale.

Mona Farm

Having toured across the world, Marina says there’s something special about performing in such a unique location as Mona Farm.

“What I’m excited about when it comes to Mona Farm is [that] it’s a wonderful experience to be singing at an outdoor event in a beautiful setting – it makes the concert a uniquely Australian experience,” she explains. “It’s something special for both the audience and the performers and it certainly heightens the atmosphere.”

As for what numbers Marina has chosen to sing, fans of hers will be delighted to hear that the line-up includes many classics from musical productions she’s performed in over the years, including Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Cats as well as “some favourite pop and crossover classics”. She also adds that “the Canberra Wind Symphony will be doing featured solos themselves, which will be beautiful.”

Despite her extensive musical theatre career, Marina says her heart belongs to concert performances for their ability to connect with the audience.

“In concert is my favourite way to work,” she explains. “All of a sudden the evening becomes an event – not just a concert. It feeds into the performance and the atmosphere for the audience.”

If it’s atmosphere you’re after, you’ll be delighted to learn that there are a variety of ways to make the night even more interactive, with Gold ticket packages including pre-show canapes and a private tour of Mona Farm’s permanent art installations and gardens with the estate owners. After the show, Gold ticket holders will also have a meet and greet with Marina and the Symphony while enjoying dessert canapes and drinks in the estate’s Woolshed. A truly unmissable experience.

Mona Farm

With Braidwood just an hour’s drive away, why not make a weekend of it and stay at one of the town’s charming BnBs? For those who have to return to Canberra on the night, there will be courtesy buses departing from Crowne Plaza Canberra, The Q and the Royal Hotel Bungendore.

With the concert taking place on the lawns of Mona Farm, there will be plenty of room to spread your picnic rug, with food and drink options on the night* including gourmet picnic hampers (available for pre-purchase only), food trucks and opportunities to purchase a glass of bubbly or soft drink.

the essentials

What: Marina Prior and the Canberra Wind Symphony – Live at Mona Farm
When: Saturday 23 February from 6.30 pm. Gates open at 5.30 pm
Where: Mona Farm, 140 Little River Road, Braidwood (about an hour’s drive from Canberra)
Tickets: Adult tickets start from $90, children $20, students $75 and concession card holders $75
Bookings and more information: theq.net.au/whats-on/productions/marina-prior

*No food or alcohol allowed to be brought onto the premises.

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