The Floral and Operatic Fantasia in Wanganui tomorrow will be a treat for both the eyes and the ears.
Internationally renowned floral art demonstrator Heather Hammond will work her magic on stage, accompanied by performances by Wellington and Wanganui opera singers.
Mrs Hammond, now based in Otorohanga, was originally from the Turakina Valley and began her floral art career in Wanganui.
"My mother was a gardener, and I picked flowers from the garden and arranged flowers from a very early age," she said.
"I was picking flowers and putting them in the house at about three or four years old."
Mrs Hammond began entering floral art shows in Wanganui as a child, and has been closely involved with the craft ever since.
She has presented floral theatre demonstrations around New Zealand and internationally.
She has also tutored overseas and judged international events.
Last year she was the floral demonstrator representing New Zealand at the World Floral Art Show in Scotland.
Mrs Hammond said one highlight of her floral art career included performing Phantom of the Opera in flowers at seven locations around New Zealand.
Another was performing floral theatre based on the opera Carmen in South Africa and Namibia.
She is also a professional florist.
Her return to Wanganui is to help the Wanganui Floral Art Group celebrate their 35th birthday with tomorrow's Fantasia show, in which opera singers will perform while floral designs inspired by the music are created on stage.
Wanganui's Jennifer Little will combine with Leonie Symes and others in several operatic excerpts.
The singers played the parts of Maria and Mother Abbess in the recent production of The Sound of Music.
The event is also a fundraiser for next year's national floral art exhibition in Hamilton, an event held only once every five years.
The Floral and Operatic Fantasia is on at the Royal Wanganui Opera House at 4pm tomorrow.
Floral meets vocal in local show
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