Opera Under the Rakau will showcase a talented line-up of singers, including tenor Dave McMeeking from Invercargill, Tauranga soprano Regan McFarlane, and Whakatāne’s own Rodene Blackwell.

The performance, to be held on Saturday, March 22, from 4pm, will feature 20 pieces, including duets The Prayer and Time to Say Goodbye, and solos like La Donna e Mobile, Music of the Night, Caro Mio Ben, Voi che sapete, and Nessun Dorma.

Produced by Tait Kora and accompanied by Gloria Taylor, the event promises a variety of memorable performances.

McMeeking featured as a lead in several musical theatre productions while in Whakatāne from 2001 to 2013 and continues to perform lead roles in Invercargill. He was also a Phantom understudy in the Australasian production of Phantom of the Opera.

He starts his bracket of songs with Music of the Night.

McFarlane, a soprano soloist with Scholars Baroque Aotearoa, as well as with Oriana Singers and Edgecumbe Choir, has extensive stage experience.    

Blackwell is a well-known Whakatāne soprano and has a passion for singing and music through performing in musical theatre. She has been involved in several Whakatāne shows, her most recent role Nancy in Oliver.  

She has also been a soloist for  Edgecumbe Choir.  

Kora, known for his work in rock music with Tait5, now hosts intimate performances at his home, while Taylor, an experienced music educator and distinguished member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand, brings over 60 years of experience to the event.