Australian Age of Dinosaurs at The Jump Up on the outskirts of Winton is around 270 meters above sea level. Looming 75 metres above rugged terrain, the atmosphere is elemental.

Knowing that a stone’s throw from the outdoor stage is the largest gathering of dinosaur footprints in the world stirs the imagination.

Al fresco live performance always tends to have a buzz, but this primeval setting amplified expectation.

Festival of Outback Opera. The Jump Up, Winton. Photos © Pete Wallis & Murray Summerville

As the sun faded the temperature dropped. The weather, not the best. Marauding insects flickered in the lights. Challenging conditions all round and not only for the female singers braving the signature diva look of long glam frocks, but also for the audio engineers valiantly balancing volume and tone.

Soprano Nina Korbe gave an eloquent welcome to Koa country and graciously compered the show.

Every outdoor event needs a fearless tenor like Brad Daley, who can conquer a makeshift stage as if it’s the Royal Covent Garden Opera House and who can power the start of a program with a sterling “Recondita armonia” from Puccini’s Tosca.