The Bermuda National Trust (BNT) is offering a cure for the post tall ships blues in the form of an open air concert.

'Midsummer Night at Verdmont' will be held today at 7.30 p.m. at the Verdmont Museum, in Smith's Parish.

The evening will feature great music, gourmet picnics, and the magical back drop of the lush historical gardens of the 18th century home.

"We are very excited by the opportunity to perform in this unique and charming setting," says Ryan Ellis, conductor and choir director at the Bermuda School of Music and the musical director for the evening.

"The concert will be staged in the natural amphitheatre of Verdmont's lower garden.

The line-up will include local singers, such as the young Holly Stephens in her debut concert, the string trio from the Bermuda School of Music, and Boston soprano Elizabeth Jones.

She will perform popular arias, such as 'Quando m'en vò 'Musette's Waltz' from La Bohème and 'Parigi o cara' from La Traviata, followed by popular musical theatre selections from Gilbert and Sullivan as well as Leonard Bernstein.

Miss Jones said she met Mr. Ellis while a student at the University of Amherst in Massachusetts.

"He was a graduate student and I was an undergraduate and we sang in choir together," said Miss Jones.

"It is my first time in Bermuda. We have such a great selection of music picked out that I feel so comfortable. I think it is going to be a lot of fun."

While in university, Miss Jones performed with the Commonwealth Opera Company.

"They would have a bunch of programmes where we could shadow professional singers," she said. "I was lucky enough to take the role of Frasquita in the opera Carmen. It was really exciting. It is a difficult role, and one that my voice wasn't particularly suited to. It was a great challenge and a great experience."

Miss Jones has a bachelor of music degree, but is currently pursuing a career in real estate in the Boston area.

The programme for the evening at Verdmont will showcase a variety of musical genres. The second part of the concert will feature rock group 'Working Title,' with the popular vocalist Lamont Robinson — a group well known for their weekly entertainment at Beau Rivage's happy hour.

"They will keep toes tapping and have you singing along to their repertoire of classic and contemporary tunes," said event co-chair Mariette Savoie.

"It is an opportunity to get together for a relaxing evening in a beautiful garden, and to enjoy the music and a glass of wine while the children play," said one of the event organisers Samantha Stephens. "We also have a limited number of patron tickets at $150, which include a champagne cocktail, preference seating, and gourmet picnics served under the shade of Verdmont's century-old trees".

Concert tickets are available either online at www.bdatix.bm or at BNT's headquarters at Waterville, Paget.

Tickets will also be available at the door from 6 p.m. on the night. Gourmet picnics are sold at $30 each, with a vegetarian option. Concert goers are most welcome to bring their own picnics if they wish.

Please email sam@bnt.bm for patron tickets and/or group reservations.

This is a joint event in support of both the National Trust Open Spaces programmes and the Bermuda School of Music School Outreach programmes.

The Bermuda School of Music School Outreach programme sends musicians into public schools to give free music lessons.

Contact BNT at 236-6483 for further details, or visit www.bnt.bm. Adult tickets are $50, students are $25, and there is free admission for children under ten.