Limted only by its name, the Lismore Opera Festival has expanded and, now known as the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, celebrates its 10th anniversary, starting at the end of this month and running over the June holiday weekend. For the first time ever the festival spans seven days.
I am aware that many people’s first reaction to hearing the word “opera” is to turn off. Don’t. There could be no better way to introduce yourself to this world than to pay a visit to Lismore and the surrounding areas for this popular festival. There is something for everyone in this programme.
What’s more, with ticket prices starting from as little as €10, and some dates already sold out, it is advisable not to dilly-dally; rather get online immediately and book. A special feature this year is that the recitals are themed; showcasing the work of Irish composers.
Nadege Rochat on her Stradivarius cello.
Another first is the fact that the opera will have subtitles. While the stately Lismore is at the heart and soul of the festival, there are recitals and performances also at Cappoquin, Aglish, Villierstown and in Tourin House. The opera centrepiece this year is Donizetti’s comic opera Don Pasquale at Lismore Castle and it takes place over three nights. This is a tale of love, intrigue, money and some artful manoeuvres, and it will be performed under cover in the Old Stable Yard in a pop-up auditorium with raked seating. Daytime performances will include three recitals entitled “Recollections of Ireland”, devoted to Irish music. This series, curated by Una Hunt, consists of the Harps of Ireland, featuring Siobhan Armstrong and Clare McCague; the Songs of Erin and Gems of Irish Opera sung by Rachel Kelly (soprano) and Gavan Ring (baritone) and the French Connection, performed by Trio Celtique.
There is also a one-off opportunity to hear The Sleeping Queen, an operetta composed by Ireland’s leading 19th-century composer, Michael William Balfe, at St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore. This year the festival presents two back-to-back RDS Collins Memorial prize winners at St Carthage’s Cathedral, cellist Killian White accompanied on the piano by Máire Carroll.
The Festival’s double bill recital at Dromore Yard opens with the Irish Heritage Bursary Recital.
St Carthage’s will also open its doors for an organ recital by Simon Harden, who will be accompanied by Dearbhla Nolan on trumpet. The opening recital takes place at Villierstown Church and presents arias, duets and ensembles from favourite operas from around the world. This is a must-do for anyone curious to dip their toe into the world of opera.
The festival’s double bill recital at Dromore Yard opens with the Irish Heritage Bursary Recital and it will showcase Tara Viscardi (harp), Peter Harris (tenor) and Amy Gillen (flute), accompanied by Brian Hughes on piano. In the second part, the festival collaborates with the Zürich International Opera Studio and feature Justyna Bluj (Polish soprano) Richard Walshe (English bass-baritone) and Gemma Ni Bhriain (Irish mezzo), accompanied on piano by Brenda Hurley.
Finally, in an extensive programme, the restored 19th century Dromore Yard on the banks of the Blackwater at Aglish plays host to two very special concerts. One features three exceptionally talented musicians playing together in concert for the very first time. Nadege Rochat on her Stradivarius cello is joined by Pablo Barragán on clarinet and Maki Wiederkehr on piano.
The second sees the world-famous Italian pianist Giovanni Bellucci play a programme of opera paraphrases. This will be a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary performer who is, simply put, one of the greatest piano playing talents today.
The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival runs from Tuesday 28 May to Monday 3 June with a total of 15 events. Further information and bookings made are available at the box-office on 085-2078944 or go to www.blackwatervalleyoperafestival.com
Read more
The Front Row: from potential vet to piano star
The Front Row: excelling in Tipperary
Limted only by its name, the Lismore Opera Festival has expanded and, now known as the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, celebrates its 10th anniversary, starting at the end of this month and running over the June holiday weekend. For the first time ever the festival spans seven days.
I am aware that many people’s first reaction to hearing the word “opera” is to turn off. Don’t. There could be no better way to introduce yourself to this world than to pay a visit to Lismore and the surrounding areas for this popular festival. There is something for everyone in this programme.
What’s more, with ticket prices starting from as little as €10, and some dates already sold out, it is advisable not to dilly-dally; rather get online immediately and book. A special feature this year is that the recitals are themed; showcasing the work of Irish composers.
Nadege Rochat on her Stradivarius cello.
Another first is the fact that the opera will have subtitles. While the stately Lismore is at the heart and soul of the festival, there are recitals and performances also at Cappoquin, Aglish, Villierstown and in Tourin House. The opera centrepiece this year is Donizetti’s comic opera Don Pasquale at Lismore Castle and it takes place over three nights. This is a tale of love, intrigue, money and some artful manoeuvres, and it will be performed under cover in the Old Stable Yard in a pop-up auditorium with raked seating. Daytime performances will include three recitals entitled “Recollections of Ireland”, devoted to Irish music. This series, curated by Una Hunt, consists of the Harps of Ireland, featuring Siobhan Armstrong and Clare McCague; the Songs of Erin and Gems of Irish Opera sung by Rachel Kelly (soprano) and Gavan Ring (baritone) and the French Connection, performed by Trio Celtique.
There is also a one-off opportunity to hear The Sleeping Queen, an operetta composed by Ireland’s leading 19th-century composer, Michael William Balfe, at St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore. This year the festival presents two back-to-back RDS Collins Memorial prize winners at St Carthage’s Cathedral, cellist Killian White accompanied on the piano by Máire Carroll.
The Festival’s double bill recital at Dromore Yard opens with the Irish Heritage Bursary Recital.
St Carthage’s will also open its doors for an organ recital by Simon Harden, who will be accompanied by Dearbhla Nolan on trumpet. The opening recital takes place at Villierstown Church and presents arias, duets and ensembles from favourite operas from around the world. This is a must-do for anyone curious to dip their toe into the world of opera.
The festival’s double bill recital at Dromore Yard opens with the Irish Heritage Bursary Recital and it will showcase Tara Viscardi (harp), Peter Harris (tenor) and Amy Gillen (flute), accompanied by Brian Hughes on piano. In the second part, the festival collaborates with the Zürich International Opera Studio and feature Justyna Bluj (Polish soprano) Richard Walshe (English bass-baritone) and Gemma Ni Bhriain (Irish mezzo), accompanied on piano by Brenda Hurley.
Finally, in an extensive programme, the restored 19th century Dromore Yard on the banks of the Blackwater at Aglish plays host to two very special concerts. One features three exceptionally talented musicians playing together in concert for the very first time. Nadege Rochat on her Stradivarius cello is joined by Pablo Barragán on clarinet and Maki Wiederkehr on piano.
The second sees the world-famous Italian pianist Giovanni Bellucci play a programme of opera paraphrases. This will be a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary performer who is, simply put, one of the greatest piano playing talents today.
The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival runs from Tuesday 28 May to Monday 3 June with a total of 15 events. Further information and bookings made are available at the box-office on 085-2078944 or go to www.blackwatervalleyoperafestival.com
Read more
The Front Row: from potential vet to piano star
The Front Row: excelling in Tipperary
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