Opportunity and the Reality.
In 1993 the Wesley Hospital was outfitting a lodge where rural patients could reside comfortably whilst they received cancer treatment. Rotary clubs were being asked to sponsor rooms and with the recent passing of David Pugh the opportunity arose to turn the dream into a reality – honouring David’s vision of sharing some of the beautiful things in life whilst helping others. Thus the first ‘Opera at Sunset’ was born.

The Partnerships
After the decision was made to stage a ‘bush opera’ the real work began. Some energetic and productive partnerships were formed; The Puglisi and Pugh families, The Wesley Hospital and the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe, the Stanthorpe and Ballandean communities, and the staff of Ballandean Estate Winery all combined to do whatever was needed to progress the Opera.

After five years the Opera outgrew its original site and in 1997 some 1,200 Shiraz and Chardonnay grapevines were removed to make way for a purpose built stage and amphitheatre for the reborn ‘Opera in the Vineyard’.

In 2005 the Rotary Club President played down concerns about this being the 13th Opera. He is suggested that if patrons are concerned that bad luck may be associated with the number 13 then they should refer to this as the 12Ath Opera. Some initial concerns were held when the Girraween National Park rangers reported a pride of black cats had been sighted on the perimeter of the Park last week. However the manager of the Ballandean Post Office, Ms Heather Watters has shifted the focus of people’s fears, saying that it is not the black cats they should be worried about but the recent witch activity. During the collection of her daily weather data Ms Watters has twice this week registered witch-trail-clouds and as recently as Friday emptied some broom straw from the official Ballandean rain gauge. Apparently the rain gauge hasn’t caught much else this year.

Ballandean Opera House.
The Ballandean Opera House was completed earlier this month by Rotarian Hal Lyon and his son Anthony, both builders. Designed by Ian Darnell of Nspire Planning and Design of Warwick it is a project of strength and simplicity. The PVC-clad reinforced -concrete pillars give the impression of stability whilst the Laserlite hail-proof roof allows occupants to bathe in a surreal natural light.

With clean lines and translucent roof, the Opera House frames up the stage and piano nicely, whilst allowing an unfolding view of autumn coloured grapevines in the foreground and the olive green hills of Sundown Valley National Park in the distance.

In windy or showery weather clear plastic sides can be attached to protect artists and their instruments. Perfect for an Opera, or a Jazz, or a wedding even. . . .