Falling in love with opera

The free concert, presented in conjunction with Opera Australia, Orchestra Victoria and Hobsons Bay Council, featured some of the most recognisable and cherished arias from Puccini, Verdi, Bizet and Rossini, including the heart-rending O mio babbino caro, the joyful Brindisi and the rousing, crowd favourite, Nessun Dorma.

Australia and New Zealand Refining Manager Riccardo Cavallo said that ExxonMobil was very proud of its long-standing relationship with the Opera Australia.

“Opera means so much to Mobil, but it means even more to me,” he said to the audience.

“I still remember when 15 years ago, trying to impress my future wonderful wife, I invited her to La Boheme. Given then later she married me, I believe that Che gelida manina served me well than night. But what I did not expect is that I completely fell in love with opera that evening.

“And this is my best wish for tonight for the people first time at the opera: that you fall in love with it and discover the passion behind it.

“From Mobil’s perspective, from my perspective, this is also our way of saying thank you to our community.”

Mayor of Hobsons Bay City Council, Councillor Angela Altair said that the local community always looked forward to this night of opera in Hobsons Bay.

“This is such a well-loved event for so many of our community members with a rich love of the arts, like myself,” she said.

“These kinds of events play a substantial role in bringing people together in our community and we are proud to offer these experiences in our city.

“As an opera lover, I am particularly excited about this event.”