James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso. At the age of seven, he was given his first instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at 13 he was playing professionally in nightclubs. At age 16 James debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Following this were performances at the big festivals in Europe, playing with many of the legends of jazz.
He has performed at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden and played for Princess Anne, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and US Presidents Bush and Clinton. In 1997, James was recognised for his service to the arts in Australia and awarded a medal of The Order of Australia.
The Opera Scholars Australia Program was set up in 1998 to offer talented young singers the opportunity to further develop their talents through a variety of performances and professional tuition. At Opera in the Alps, Opera by the Loch and Opera in the Market the singers have the opportunity to perform with a 100 voice choir and professional orchestra led by Australian and overseas conductors.
From eight scholars in 1998 the program has expanded to thirty scholars.
An evening with James Morrison
Featuring the world renowned jazz virtuoso, James Morrison plus four soloist members of Opera Scholars Australia.
Opera Scholars performing during this special event
Day 1 (L,D) HOME, KANGAROO ISLAND
Following metropolitan home/hotel pick up (Melbourne only), we board our comfort plus Fokker 50 for the flight to Kangaroo Island. Light refreshments as we fly. On arrival fly “low and slow” to enjoy coastal views of parts of the island prior to landing at Kingscote Airport where our modern coaches await. Lunch at American River before a visit to Pennington Bay on route to Island Pure Sheep Dairy. Later in the afternoon join the daily pelican feeding show. Our accommodation for two nights is either the Ozone Seafront Hotel, Seaview or Seaside at Kingscote or All Seasons Kangaroo Island Lodge at American River Resort. Relax, maybe enjoy a drink with new found friends prior to dinner together.
Day 2 (B,L,D) KANGAROO ISLAND
Enjoy the Hanson Bay koala walk on route to Flinders Chase National Park. A picnic lunch before continuing to Remarkable Rocks, Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch, with a large colony of New Zealand fur seals. Visit the island’s only distillery, Kangaroo Island Spirits, enjoy a tasting and purchase if you wish. Following an early dinner tonight we make our way to the concert at Kingscote Town Hall starting at 8:00 p.m. for a fabulous evening of entertainment featuring James Morrison and soloists from Opera Scholars Australia.
Day 3 (B,L) KANGAROO ISLAND, HOME
Visit Seal Bay, home of around 500 sea lions and join a guided walk from the Information Centre down to a viewing platform above the sand. On to another highlight, the Raptor Domain “Birds of Prey” free flight presentation featuring wedge tail eagles, barn owls, kookaburras and much more. Our third highlight is the Andermel Marron (freshwater crayfish) Farm. A vineyard on the property produces excellent wines under the “Two Wheeler” label and we enjoy a wine tasting prior to a most enjoyable three course luncheon, including wines and freshly cooked marron, prior to returning to Kingscote Airport for the return flights to our home port, with refreshments from the bar as we fly.
