Top soul artist set for Nelson

New Zealand soul singer Hollie Smith has been confirmed among the lineup of performers for next February's Opera in the Park in Nelson.

The event on February 13 is being held at the Tahunanui Domain for the first time.

Smith recently toured Britain, France, the United States, Canada and Australia, and has been a supporting act for Coldplay, Simply Red and Bob Dylan.

She would take the stage with musicians who were familiar to Nelson audiences, in what was shaping up to be a stunning evening of opera by the sea, Nelson City Council festivals producer Sophie Kelly said.

She said tenor Simon O'Neill would make a welcome return, and New Zealand composer and singer Whirimako Black had also been confirmed.

Also returning are soprano Anna Leese, who was The Nelson Mail Aria contest winner in 2001, and the Vector Wellington Orchestra.

Smith has achieved a top 10 New Zealand hit with the single Bathe in the River, written by Don McGlashan, which featured on the soundtrack to the film No 2.

In 1999, as a 16-year-old, she recorded the album Light From a Distant Shore after winning Best Female Vocalist at the National Jazz Festival. In 2003, Smith moved to Wellington and sang with Trinity Roots.

Black has been described as this country's soul diva. Her distinctive sound is enhanced with the use of traditional Maori musical forms and te reo lyrics.

Ms Kelly said next year would be a landmark year for the event, with its new seaside venue and free entry, courtesy of principal sponsor BioPaints.

"It's always been BioPaints' philosophy to make this an accessible event, and with the great lineup organised by the city council team, which includes a mix of opera and contemporary singers, it's got something for everyone."

Although the event is free, tickets will be required to enter the fenced concert area. Tickets are limited to 15,000 and will be available from Monday, from BioPaints at 70 Vanguard St, Nelson, Everyman, the Nelson and Tasman council offices, and public libraries.

- © Fairfax NZ News