Local sponsorship secured for Nelson’s Opera in the Park

A locally owned real estate company has become a major sponsor for Nelson’s largest community concert event.

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty has entered a naming rights sponsorship deal for Nelson Opera in the Park.  

The biennial concert will be named “New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park”. Tickets for the 18 February 2023 concert are on sale now.  

The concert is the largest Council-supported community event in Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island). The event draws over 6,000 attendees to Trafalgar Park in Nelson for a unique mix of classical and contemporary music. 

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith welcomes the sponsorship deal and the benefits it will bring to the beloved event.  

“New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park is an iconic Nelson event enabling us to celebrate summer and music in a family atmosphere. 

“We have not had a naming rights sponsor for more than a decade and COVID-19 saw the 2022 concert postponed.  

“This sponsorship is about reinvigorating Nelson’s flagship summer event, which presents a great night out for Nelsonians as well as attending visitors to our region.”  

The New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Tasman Managing Director Steve Kelso and Operations Manager Keryn Kelso say supporting the event aligns with their interests and contributes to the community in Nelson.  

“As new franchise owners of the Nelson office of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, we are delighted to be an integral part of the team bringing a world-class event to Nelson. The last few years have been challenging for many. This phenomenal outdoor spectacle is a chance for our community and beyond to celebrate, unwind, and soak in the atmosphere of wonderfully relaxing summertime entertainment.  

“The opportunity to be involved with this event, the largest of its kind in the top of the South resonates with us as we have a long-standing affinity with the world of music, dance, theatre and performance.  

“The fabulous Nelson Tasman region is where our hearts lie, having moved to Nelson Whakatū to bring up our family many years ago.  

“We are actively involved in supporting the Nelson community across the arts, sport and with the Rotary Club of Whakatū, so this association and collaboration allows us to continue that support in the most meaningful way.” 

Tickets for New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Nelson Opera in the Park are on sale now from Eventfinda.co.nz and via the Nelson City Council Customer Service Centre. The 2023 lineup includes Stan Walker, Annie Crummer, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, tenor Oliver Sewell and lyric soprano Madeleine Pierard.  

Early bird tickets are just $25 for adults, $9 for children 5-15 years, and under-fives free.