" Diva Divine" with Heather Lee and Samarai (aka "Babu") Cunio

Written and directed by Larry Buttrose

This is the story of an Englishwoman, "lost" in India .…

In 1899, an English opera singer (Miss Ada Parsons), begins a concert tour of British colonial India - and falls in love with a mysterious Indian man.

Polite colonial society is - of course! - scandalised. But that doesn't stop the singer, agreeing to marrying him … but before long - in true operatic style! - tragedy strikes!

Renowned soprano Heather Lee – whose work “The Age” remarked is of “a standard rarely equaled”, is the journey-woman for this show. Moving effortlessly between fine opera singing, and Indian traditional and sacred music.

Heather produces a scintillating show, which includes the following: English National Anthem;
Recordings of the late Flute maestro Dr N.Ramani; Bellini "Oh Quante Volte, oh quante" from I Capuletti e I Montecchi; Faure "Après un Reve"; Handel "Piangero" from Giulio Cesare; Indian Bahajan "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram; Donizetti "Quel guardo il cavaliere"; Bhavagad Gita, Chapter 9 , Supreme Knowledge and the big mystery; Kali and Durga Mantra; Keats, On Death;
Purcell, " Dido's Lament" from Dido and Aeneas.

Although a "diva" is rarely upstaged, child tabla prodigy Samarai Cunio, performs a breathtaking tabla solo. 12 year old Samarai has already made waves at the Sydney Opera House, in India and China, and the Denmark Festival of Voice (W.A.)

The show is based on the true family story of Heather’s Great Aunt. Musical direction by Dr Kim Cunio.

Magda Community Artz is delighted to have such acclaimed performers as Heather, Kim and Babu here. And you'll be pleased to know, we're planning other wonderful concerts - based on their extra-ordinary musicianship, and their talent for blending so many musical traditions!

A word from a music lover about Heather's singing: "One of my most moving Spiritual Experiences was at Woodford a few years ago. I was walking down from the Hilltop and heard this amazingly Beautiful and Powerful sound. I was led almost trance like to Folklorica to find Heather Lee and Kim Cunio. Together as "Oscar and Marigold". Heather is one truly amazing singer who seems to Channel the vibrations of the Cosmos through her. Hearing her sing is, for me, a spiritual experience of the highest order. I feel blessed to have heard her." (Thanks Lex.)

See you at Magda's - a little before 3pm - Sunday 6th March!

Please be early and preferably pre-book your tickets via magdacommunityartz@gmail.com
Further info: Mervyn, 0400 497 422