On Saturday 9 May 2009, Opera Australia will present La Voce, a sumptuous evening of gourmet food and wine, aimed at celebrating and supporting the creative development of young artists.

200 guests will be invited to step inside the creative engine room of Opera Australia, the Paint Dock at the Opera Centre in Surry Hills Sydney, where the scenery for new productions is brought to life.

For one night only the Paint Dock will be transformed into a Tuscan-style ballroom, where guests will be treated to exclusive performances from past and present singers of Opera Australias Young Artist Program, sopranos Taryn Fiebig and Amy Wilkinson, and tenor David Corcoran.

This years guest chef, James Kidman from The Fink Groups Otto Ristorante, will bring an Italian flavour to the occasion, specially creating a three course menu that captures the feel and flavour of Italy. The menu will be matched with premium wines from Howard Park Wines. Joining the event as Master of Ceremonies is flamboyant conductor and pianist, Brian Castles- Onion.

The event will also feature a silent auction and a limited live auction, conducted by Andrew Caillard MW of Langtons Wine Auctions and Exchange, as well as a Fund-A-Project an opportunity for guests to offer their support for the Moffatt Oxenbould Opera Australia Young Artist Program. This program aims at nurturing the development of Australias young opera singers through unique training and employment opportunities. This years artists are Amy Wilkinson, Stephen Smith, Andrew Moran, Christopher van Tuinen and David Corcoran.

Auction items at La Voce will include:
-The Paspaley Pearl Farm Experience a 5 day pearling adventure in the remote north-western Australian coastline
-A bodice worn by Joan Carden in Otello
-“La Bella Toscana” - a luxury holiday featuring eight nights in Tuscany courtesy of Diana Eddy and Associates
-A collection of fine French wines from Rupert Rosenblum and Ross Tzannes
-Premium Australian Wines with original wine labels painted by Ray Crooke, Criss Canning, Robert Dickerson and William Robinson
-4 nights in New Zealand, with Qantas business class return flights, from Small Luxury Hotels of the World
-An exclusive dinner for at Otto Ristorante with tenor David Corcoran created by chef James Kidman, or in the Sydney Opera House boardroom with soprano Amy Wilkinson
-A preview to the Fred Williams exhibition with Rex Irwin Art Dealer, with a private tour followed by a cocktail party and recital by Opera Australias Henry Choo