The DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama may be going through a trying time at management level just now (see last Tuesday's EL), but some students had the pleasure and privilege of taking part in a "mini-Mozart season" last week, under the direction of Dieter Kaegi, artistic director of Opera Ireland.

They performed Cosi fan Tutte in the John B. Bar at the Gaiety, in a contemporary, informal production. Most of the student-singers are also members of Opera Ireland's chorus.

"This is an opportunity for young singers to perform in a professional context, and a preparation for the 'Opera Studio' we hope to open next year, Kaegi said. "And also, it's exciting to do a performance in an unusual setting."

Opera Ireland is involved in a number of other education projects. In the summer, the company will be offering masterclasses to young singers, led in the past by names such as Suzanne Murphy and Regina Nathan, and this year by Volker Vogel.

Then in August the company will be involved with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland's Ring Festival, joining its members in bringing Wagner's work to audiences in Limerick and Birmingham.