David McAtamney's Fundraising Concert for Wanaka's New Aquatic Centre
David McAtamney, dubbed the ‘Davarotti’ of the Maniototo, performed at the Lake Wanaka Centre in February 2016 to a sell-out audience. The Rotary Club of Wanaka, the organisers of the concert, were delighted to donate the proceeds of the concert to the Wanaka Aquatic Centre.Prior to the concert, in his other life as a farmer, David, a part time resident of Wanaka, was interviewed atop a rocky outcrop near Blackstone Hill, with the Dunstan Range in the background. Obviously in his element on the land, he has often been described as the Opera singing Farmer!
He’s a BIG HEARTED & BIG VOICED BARITONE, with his ‘practice arena’ the Mighty Manuherikia Valley and his audience his 5 faithful farm dogs, never far from his side. Judy Faris, piano accompanist and recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal, local chanteuse Anna van Riel with pianist David Baker, also donated their time at the highly successful concert.
The Wanaka community & supporters from further afield turned out in force to enjoy the evening of Light Opera and Popular Songs.