Opera at Langford, a new event held by Opera North West, was held at one of the region’s grandest homes on the outskirts of Walcha – Langford, an Italianate-style mansion set in park-like grounds.

The concert was a runaway success, Opera North West spokeswoman Sandy McNaughton said.

“The response was terrific, considering it was the inaugural event,” Ms McNaughton said.

Conditions had been “challenging” with heatwave temperatures and a possible storm forecast, so they’d moved the event forward by two hours, she said.

The strategy worked.

“The concert was unaffected, apart from the last piece in the encore – it was a very dramatic and memorable end to the night.”

Mezzo-soprano Ruth Strutt, of Armidale and soprano Amanda Windred, Tamworth, were among the performers, as well as Brisbane’s John Woods, accompanied by a string quartet, the balcony providing a ready-made stage.

“It was superb – the quality of the performances was outstanding ... they were all working on such a professional level and the staging was absolutely exquisite,” Ms McNaughton said.

Opera in the Paddock, the signature event of Opera North West, would be returning on March 21 next year after a two-year hiatus with international superstar singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes as leading man – but Opera at Langford had brilliantly filled the yawning gap for opera lovers, she said.

“I think now the recognition of Opera in the Paddock and the brand has had an impact. They put on high-class performances and that’s what people have come to expect,” Ms McNaughton said.

Organisers are in discussuons with Walcha Shire Council to see about making the event an annual concert.