Four months of arranging 200 pages of music will culminate in a spectacular performance from Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music staff and students on June 7.

About 35 CQCM students will make a National Library recording of the love story The Land of Smiles. CQCM senior voice lecturer Garrick Jones is presenting the operetta as part of his on-going research project.

“I started producing these shows because there was a need to give the students an outlet for classical performances because these classics have not been staged for years,” he said.

“It took four months to arrange the music to make it suitable for piano. I had to reflect the colour of the orchestra and at the same time make it unique by using two pianos.” Mr Jones also translated early 20th century German script into English. “This is providing an opportunity for students to stage an extremely difficult performance. The Land of Smiles is difficult to stage because the sets and costumes are quite elaborate.

The operetta portrays the story of a Chinese Ambassador who falls in love with a Viennese Countess. They return to China but traditions force them to realise that their attraction for each other cannot work in his culture.

CQCM keyboard lecturer Regis Danillon will also play the piano alongside Mr Jones.

Tickets for the two June 7 performances are available by telephoning CQCM on 4940 7801.

Last year's performances of Chu Chin Chow is also lodged in the National Library. Photo caption: CQCM educators Regis Danillon (front) and Garrick Jones rehearse for The Land of Smiles performance.