Wexford Festival Opera has made a name for itself by introducing audiences to rarely performed or neglected works, many of which have since found a place in the canon.
From October 18th to November 2nd, the festival offers an exciting programme of opera, concerts, recitals, talks and free pop-up events with 70 events taking place over 16 days. World renowned for its exceptional artistry and unforgettable performances, the festival’s success is also due in no small part to Wexford itself and the hundreds of local, dedicated volunteer force who complete the Wexford experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this festival offers something for everyone. Artistic director, Rosetta Cucchi, has once again delivered a truly exciting programme for all to enjoy.
Breathing new life into neglected operas
Each year the festival features three main stage productions of rarely performed operas. This year’s captivating programme explores the intriguing theme of Theatre within Theatre, offering a glimpse into the world behind the curtain.
This year’s mainstage programmes features: Le maschere by Pietro Mascagni (1901), The Critic by Charles Villiers Stanford (1916), and Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali by Gaetano Donizetti (1827).
Le maschere is a comic opera by Mascagni, which was first performed in 1901 and pays homage to Rossini and the Italian tradition of opera buffa. It tells the story of a traveling commedia dell’arte troupe and the interactions between the players and the characters they portray. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, this production – sponsored by Elavon – promises to be a delightful exploration of humour, satire, and theatricality.
The Critic by Charles Villiers Stanford is a comic opera set during the rehearsals of a new operatic work. Originally performed in 1916, this two-act opera is a humorous take on the eccentricities of theatre and its inhabitants. With Libretto by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The Critic is directed by Conor Hanratty and sung in English with English surtitles. It offers a satirical glimpse into the chaotic rehearsal of a new play. Stanford, a Dublin-born composer best known for his choral works, brings wit and charm to this rarely performed piece, sponsored by Danone.
Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali by Gaetano Donizetti with libretto by Domenico Gilardoni was first performed in 1831 and is one of the wittiest operatic parodies of its kind subjecting the bad habits of the operatic world to biting criticism. It shines an exaggerated spotlight on the behind-the-scenes working of a theatre and the rehearsal process, showing what can go wrong when the egos of the performers get in the way of putting on a good show. Originally a one-act farsa, Donizetti expanded it into a two-act opera. Directed by Orpha Phelan and sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Pocket operas
In addition to the mainstage operas, the festival also produces two pocket operas this year: Lady Gregory in America, and Puccini: Man of the Theatre.
Lady Gregory in America, is Colm Tóibín’s third opera, reuniting him with the composer Alberto Caruso, and reflects another of the author’s literary fascinations. It is a portrait of Augusta Gregory, the redoubtable Irishwoman who as founder (WB Yeats) of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre was so hugely influential in shaping Irish cultural history. His operatic comedy follows her American adventures with other revolutionary Irish women.
Commissioned by Wexford festival Opera and written and devised by William Niall Morris, art imitates life in a new dramatic work to commemorate the centenary of Puccini’s death in 1924. Puccini: Man of the Theatre is a one-act biographical opera which explores the composer’s personal life, set against the backdrop of his beloved music. With excerpts from his most famous works, including Tosca, La Bohème, and Madama Butterfly, this pocket opera brings Puccini’s dramatic and emotional world to life.
Nurturing tomorrow’s stars with renowned professional development programme
Now in its fifth year, the Wexford Factory is a professional development academy established by Rosetta Cucchi and sponsored by PwC, designed to mentor young singers and repetiteurs in the early stages of their careers. The programme is also supported by The Arnhold Foundation and its repetiteur and stage professional branches by The Community Foundation Ireland. It starts in early September when the artists are tutored by familiar names as well as by great international singers. This year the artists will perform in the factory concert on October 21st and in the factory opera, Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy. This opera will showcase the talents of emerging artists from the Wexford Factory, providing a platform for the next generation of opera stars.
Local community takes centre stage
This year festival has developed a community-based adaptation of opera’s most heartwarming comedy - The Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti. Members of the local Wexford community, together with Wexford Factory artists, will create and present an immersive performance of music and dialogue, in a non-theatrical setting. The audience will move with the action, experiencing the opera as both audience and participant. Sung in English, this unique production – sponsored by Energia – allows the community to actively participate in the magic of opera.
Lunchtime Recitals: A musical feast
For those looking to enjoy a more intimate musical experience, the Lunchtime Recitals offer a wonderful opportunity. Soloists, accompanied by pianists, will perform a range of music, from operatic arias to popular songs. Held at St Iberius Church and in the O’Reilly Theatre within the Opera House, these recitals are perfect for those seeking a midday cultural treat.
Gala Concerts: Celebrating opera’s finest
Always a hugely popular event, the Gala Concert will see a number of the festival artists take audiences on a fun ride through a mixture of opera repertoires and songs. Another popular feature of the festival is the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Gala, conducted by Wexford festival Opera’s guest conductor Francesco Cilluffo, and featuring four of opera’s extraordinary singers - Celine Byrne, Sharon Carty, Andrew Morstsein and Paolo Bordogna. It’s set to bring audiences on a journey infused with passion, romance and drama with orchestral favourites.
Beyond the stage: Talks, lectures and interviews
The festival also offers an engaging talks series including the much loved Dr Tom Walsh Lecture, which this year features renowned musicologist Professor Jeremy Dibble. The Impossible Interview is another festival favourite with host Michael Dervan. This year he orchestrates an ethereal encounter with the legendary Charles Villiers Stanford, composer of The Critic.
Surprise music. Anytime. Anywhere
Now one of the most popular treats of Wexford festival Opera, spontaneous free pop-up events featuring festival artists will surprise and delight audiences in unexpected locations around Wexford, ensuring that the magic of opera is never far away.
There’s also the acclaimed chamber choir New Dublin Voices performing in the beautiful Rowe Street Church, late night, post-opera music and dance performances of Bach’s Cello Suites and engagement projects to encourage children in both primary and secondary schools to explore opera and stage performances.
Booking details
The 73rd Wexford festival Opera is an event not to be missed. To book tickets contact the box office at 053 912 2144 or visit wexfordopera.com.
Wexford festival Opera would like to acknowledge and thank The Arts Council, Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland/Ireland’s Ancient East and the festival’s friends, sponsors and donors for their invaluable and continued support.