Pack a picnic and don’t worry about calling a babysitter, Voices in the Forest is returning to Canberra’s iconic National Arboretum on Saturday 23 November and it’s a family affair.

The annual opera spectacular is now in its third year and to celebrate Canberra’s centenary this year’s concert will have a distinctly Australian feel. This year, Australia’s most loved opera singers will perform Australia’s favourite arias and Broadway songs. Traditional Australian Christmas Carols by William James will also feature in the program.

Arias from La Traviata, Merry Widow, Carmen, The Magic Flute, Romeo and Juliet, as well as Broadway hits by Gershwin, Bernstein and Berlin will captivate audiences as they are performed by Australia’s best opera talent.

Internationally acclaimed soprano Yvonne Kenny will headline the event and she will be joined by Emma Matthews, Australia’s finest coloratura soprano and Rosario La Spina, a thrilling Italianate tenor in the mould of Pavarotti.

Recent Helpmann Award recipient, and Centenary of Canberra Creative Director, Robyn Archer, will also perform a special cabaret set.

Audiences will enjoy sprawling views of the stunning Canberra landscape and whether your preference is to be seated theatre-style, or to relax with friends and family enjoying a picnic on the grass, Voices in the Forest promises to be a delightful event for everyone.

A special children’s program in the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion will also keep kids entertained.

Event Manager, Damiana Vigone says those planning to attend should purchase their tickets quickly as nearly two thirds of the reserved seating tickets have already sold. D Reserve has sold out and there are only a small number of Platinum Reserve seats left.

“The Voices in the Forest audience has come to expect the best in local and international talent, and 2013 will be no different,” Ms Vigone said.

“Voices in the Forest is a family friendly event which really does have something for everyone, from the most dedicated opera lover to those who simply enjoy live entertainment.

“So if you haven’t booked your tickets already, I encourage anyone who is interested in attending this year’s event to look at the ticketing options.”

Gates will open from 1.30pm with the show starting at 4.45pm and finishing at 8.30pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from Canberra Ticketing with prices starting from only $25.00 for children and $39.00 for adults for general admission (seated on the grass). Reserved seating starts at $90 for C Reserve.

A cocktails and buffet dinner will be held immediately after the concert for VIPs, corporate package and dinner ticketholders. Dinner tickets can be purchased for $75.00 in conjunction to concert tickets.

WIN TICKETS TO VOICES IN THE FOREST!

Want to go along to Voices for free? Thanks to the event organiser, we have two ‘family packs’ (two adults and two children per pack) in General Admission valued at $128.

We also have 2 x C Reserve tickets to give away, valued at $180.

We’ll also throw some bus tickets your way, to get you there and back on the day. Chartered buses will run from Edinburgh St in New Acton from 2pm to 4.15pm and will bring patrons back after the concert as well, leaving the Arboretum at 8.30pm.

How to enter? Simply head to the program page on the Voices in the Forest website and leave a comment telling us the musical genre of the concert. Also let us know which ticket pack you’re interested in winning: the family pack, C Reserve, or either!

Entries close 5pm Friday 11 October.

the essentials

What: Voices in the Forest
Where: National Arboretum
When: Saturday 23 November
Web: www.voicesintheforest.com.au
Facebook: VoicesintheForestCanberra
Twitter: @Voices_Forest.