20 years of opera at Ballandean

On the back of a dream between two mates, Opera in the Vineyard became a reality and now, in its 20th year, the event has stamped its mark on the cultural scene of the Granite Belt and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.
To describe Opera in the Vineyard at Ballandean as magical is probably an understatement. Not only is the event magical, it is beautiful, charitable, enjoyable and every other pleasant adjective in the dictionary.
Angelo Puglisi of Ballandean Estate and a Stanthorpe Rotarian will often reminisce with guests about the ‘early days’ of Opera in the Vineyard and the plans to hold five events.
“Who would have thought we would be preparing for our 20th event?” Mr Puglisi said.
The relatively new partnership with Opera Queensland has proved to be a very popular one with guests, as the 2011 event was hailed as “one of the best ever”.
This year, the program looks amazing and Opera Queensland is proud to announce the artists as Emma Matthews, Virgilio Marino and Andrew Collis, all of whom have performed extensively around the world.
Once again, the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane will be one of the main beneficiaries of the event’s proceeds, with almost $350,000 being donated to date.
“It is always a fantastic feeling to hand over donations to worthy projects and the Wesley provides wonderful services to Queenslanders in need,” Mr Puglisi said.
The Opera in the Vineyard will be held on May 6.