It’s Mascagni’s homage to Rossini and to the Italian opera buffa and commedia dell’arte traditions. It was premiered simultaneously in six Italian opera houses but, apart from Rome, the reception was subdued. While it has often been held that Mascagni was a ‘one opera man’ who could never repeat the success of Cavalleria rusticana, this verdict has already been debunked by Wexford’s four previous Mascagni productions, most recently Guglielmo Ratcliff in 2015.

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Le maschere

National Opera House

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of opera at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024, featuring a standout production of Charles Villiers Stanford's "The Critic." This enchanting opera, sung in English with English surtitles, promises an unforgettable experience with its fully-staged presentation. Based on the libretto by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, "The Critic" first graced the stage in 1916 at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, showcasing the combined Dublin-born talents of Stanford and Sheridan, who both found their fame in England.

Set against the backdrop of the O'Reilly Theatre at the National Opera House, this production brings to life the satirical edge of Sheridan's work, under the baton of conductor Ciarán McAuley and the visionary direction of Conor Hanratty. The story unfolds on the stage of a theatre during the rehearsal of a new opera, "The Spanish Armada," with the characters navigating the complexities of love, loyalty, and artistic endeavor amidst the threat of a Spanish invasion.

The cast features a blend of emerging and established talents, including Tony Brennan as Lord Burleigh, Rory Dunne as the Governor of Tilbury Fort, Gyula Nagy as Earl of Leicester, and Ava Dodd as Tilburina, among others. Each performer brings depth and nuance to their roles, promising a production rich in vocal excellence and dramatic flair.

"The Critic" will be performed on select dates between October 19 and November 1, 2024, offering audiences a chance to experience Stanford's penultimate opera, hailed as one of his finest works. With tickets available for priority booking from April 24, 2024, for Friends of the Festival, this is an opportunity to partake in a historic piece of opera that bridges humor with the grandeur of operatic tradition.

Prepare for an evening of exquisite music, compelling drama, and the timeless wit of "The Critic" at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024.

The Critic

Immerse yourself in the world of opera at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024, featuring the enchanting production of Gaetano Donizetti's "Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali." This captivating event will take place at the prestigious O'Reilly Theatre, National Opera House, from 18th October to 2nd November 2024, offering a rich tapestry of performances that showcase the brilliance of Donizetti's work.

"Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali," also known under various titles such as "Viva la Mamma," is a two-act opera buffa that delves into the comedic intricacies of the operatic world. With a libretto by Domenico Gilardoni and sung in Italian with English surtitles, this fully-staged production promises an evening of laughter and entertainment. The opera, which first premiered in its revised form in Milan, Italy, in 1831, offers a satirical look at the conventions and inconveniences of the theatre, making it a must-see for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The cast features a talented ensemble including Daria Garbinati, Sharleen Joynt, Paolo Bordogna, and Giuseppe Toia, under the baton of conductor Danila Grassi. Directed by Orpha Phelan, with set and costume design by Madeline Boyd and lighting by Daniele Naldi, this production is set to be a highlight of the festival.

Performances are scheduled for 20th, 25th, 28th October, and 2nd November, with tickets priced between €35 and €160. Priority booking for Friends of the Festival opens on 24th April 2024, offering an exclusive opportunity to secure your seats for this not-to-be-missed event. With an approximate running time of 150 minutes, "Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali" promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of opera's playful critique on its own world.

Don't miss your chance to experience this exceptional production at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. Book your tickets early and prepare for an evening filled with exquisite music, outstanding performances, and unparalleled operatic satire.

Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of opera at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024, featuring the much-anticipated "Puccini: Man of the Theatre." This unique event, devised and written by the Grammy-nominated classical singer, writer, and theatre producer William Niall Morris, with music by Puccini, is set to take place from 18 October to 2 November 2024 at the Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House.

"Puccini: Man of the Theatre" is an opera in one act, performed in English with operatic extracts sung in Italian, commissioned by the Wexford Festival Opera to commemorate the centenary of Puccini’s death. The show offers a profound exploration of Giacomo Puccini's life, highlighting the rapid success he achieved with masterpieces such as La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly, and delving into the personal tragedy that threatened to unravel his idyllic existence. Through this opera, Puccini seeks redemption and freedom in the only way he knows—through composing.

Under the direction of William Niall Morris, with stage and costume design by Lisa Krugel, audiences are invited to experience a production that combines spoken word and music to tell the story of one of opera's greatest composers. The show runs approximately 75 minutes, making it an accessible yet deeply moving experience for both opera aficionados and newcomers alike.

Performances are scheduled for various dates and times throughout the festival, ensuring ample opportunity for attendees to witness this remarkable production. Tickets are priced at €25, offering an affordable gateway to the enriching world of opera.

Don't miss this exceptional blend of history, music, and storytelling at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. "Puccini: Man of the Theatre" promises to be a highlight of the festival, celebrating the legacy of a musical genius who continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.

Puccini: Man of the Theatre

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Immerse yourself in the world of opera with the newly commissioned work, "Lady Gregory in America," a captivating one-act opera by Alberto Caruso, featuring a libretto by Colm Tóibín. This English-sung opera is set to grace the stage at the Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, as part of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. The performances are scheduled from 20 October to 1 November, offering a unique glimpse into the American adventures of Augusta Gregory, a pivotal figure in Irish cultural history and co-founder of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre alongside Y.B. Yeats.

This operatic comedy, marking Tóibín’s third collaboration with composer Alberto Caruso, delves into the life of the formidable Irishwoman, Augusta Gregory, and her interactions with other revolutionary Irish women during her time in America. The creative team behind this production includes Alberto Caruso as the conductor, Aoife Spillane-Hinks as the stage director, and Lisa Krugel handling stage and costume design, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Tickets are priced at €25, with the opera boasting an approximate running time of 80 minutes. Performance dates and times vary, including morning shows at 11 am on select dates, with the final performance on 1 November already sold out, highlighting the anticipation and excitement surrounding this event.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience "Lady Gregory in America" and be part of a journey through opera that intertwines history, culture, and the arts at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024.

Lady Gregory in America

Immerse yourself in the dramatic intensity of "Pagliacci," a seminal opera by Ruggero Leoncavallo, presented at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. This semi-staged masterpiece, sung in Italian with English surtitles, captures the essence of theatrical illusion and reality through its prologue and two acts. First performed in Milan, Italy, in 1892, "Pagliacci" stands out for its sophisticated musical and dramatic exploration of the lives and emotions of its lowborn characters.

The opera unfolds a harrowing tale of love, betrayal, and revenge within a commedia dell’arte troupe. Central to the story are Canio and Nedda, a married couple entangled in a web of jealousy and secret affairs. As the plot thickens, the boundaries between performance and reality blur, leading to a tragic climax that leaves the audience questioning the nature of the spectacle they've witnessed.

This year's production features Samuel White as Canio, under the baton of conductor Emanuele Quaranta, with Stefania Panighini directing. Panighini, known for her work at the Wexford Festival Opera and other prestigious venues, brings a fresh perspective to this classic opera.

Performances are scheduled from October 24 to November 1, 2024, at the O'Reilly Theatre in the National Opera House, offering a range of dates and times to accommodate all schedules. Tickets are priced between €25 and €50, promising an accessible experience for all opera enthusiasts. With an approximate running time of 60 minutes, "Pagliacci" at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024 is an unmissable event that combines compelling storytelling with exceptional musical artistry.

Pagliacci

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera at the Gala Concert, a highlight of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. This much-anticipated event is set to take place at the O'Reilly Theatre, National Opera House, on Sunday, 27th October, from 9pm. With a running time of approximately 90 minutes, the concert promises an unforgettable evening filled with opera repertoires and songs.

For years, the Gala Concert has stood out as the most sought-after event by Friends of the festival and patrons alike, thanks to the performers who generously donate their time and talent. This special night is designed to be a fun ride through the magic of opera, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable experience while showing your support for the Festival. The concert is conceived on the special night when the hands of your watch turn back an hour, making it an unrepeatable chance to revel in the joy of music.

Tickets are priced between €30 and €90, catering to a wide range of preferences. Early booking is advised to secure your spot at this exclusive event, as it is known to attract significant interest from opera enthusiasts and supporters of the arts.

Join us for an evening of exquisite performances and be part of a tradition that celebrates the best of opera. The Gala Concert at the Wexford Festival Opera is not just an event; it's an experience that resonates long after the final note has been sung.

Gala Concert

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. This prestigious event, taking place from 18 October to 2 November 2024, promises an unforgettable journey through the emotional landscape of opera's most ravishing arias. The highlight of the festival is set for Tuesday, 29 October, at the O'Reilly Theatre in the National Opera House, where the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, under the baton of the esteemed guest conductor Francesco Cilluffo, will perform a concert that is sure to captivate the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

Francesco Cilluffo, renowned for his dynamic conducting and deep connection with opera, returns to the Wexford Festival Opera as Principal Guest Conductor. With a program featuring a selection of opera's most extraordinary singers, including soprano Celine Byrne, mezzo Sharon Carty, tenor Andrew Morstein, and baritone Paolo Bordogna, the concert promises an evening of passion, romance, and drama. Each piece has been carefully selected to showcase the emotional highs of opera, from pleasure to despair, and ultimately to ecstasy.

Tickets for this mesmerizing concert are priced between €20 and €50, offering a range of options for attendees. The performance is expected to run for approximately 90 minutes, providing a perfect evening of cultural enrichment and musical excellence. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power and beauty of opera with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024.

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Immerse yourself in the heart of opera innovation at the Factory Concert, a premier event of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. For the first time, this concert has been officially incorporated into the festival's illustrious program, marking a significant milestone. Scheduled for Monday, 21st October, at the prestigious O'Reilly Theatre within the National Opera House, this evening promises to be a revelation of operatic talent.

The Factory Concert is not just any performance; it is a unique showcase spotlighting the exceptional singers and repetiteurs who are the lifeblood of the Festival’s Wexford Factory programme. This initiative is renowned for nurturing the next generation of opera talent, turning promise into fulfillment through rigorous professional development.

With tickets priced at €20, attendees are offered an unparalleled opportunity to witness the future of opera. The event begins at 7pm, providing an evening filled with captivating performances that represent the cutting edge of operatic artistry.

This concert is a must-attend for anyone curious about the future directions of opera or those who simply love to experience high-caliber performances in an intimate setting. The Factory Concert at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024 is your chance to be part of a momentous occasion in the operatic calendar, celebrating new talents and the continuous evolution of this timeless art form.

The Factory Concert

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera and classical music at the Lunchtime Recitals, part of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. From October 18th to November 2nd, 2024, these recitals offer a splendid opportunity to experience the thrill of live performance in the intimate settings of the O'Reilly Theatre at the National Opera House and St. Iberius Church.

The Lunchtime Recitals are a highlight for music aficionados, showcasing a broad spectrum of musical genres. Attendees will be treated to an exquisite selection of operatic arias, lieder, oratorio, concert pieces, and popular songs. The performances feature talented soloists accompanied by pianists, each bringing their unique musical versatility to the stage.

With a running time of approximately 55 minutes, these recitals are a perfect midday escape into the world of music. The diversity of the repertoire ensures that there is something to suit all musical tastes, making each recital a unique experience.

Due to the popularity of these events and the limited seating capacity, early booking is highly recommended to secure your spot. Tickets are priced at €20, offering an accessible way to enjoy high-quality live music.

The recitals are scheduled on select dates between October 19th and November 2nd, with performances starting at 1pm. Whether you choose the historic ambiance of St. Iberius Church or the modern elegance of the O'Reilly Theatre, these recitals promise an unforgettable musical journey during the Wexford Festival Opera 2024.

Lunchtime Recitals

St. Iberius' Church

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera at the "Impossible Interview" event, a highlight of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. This unique performance is scheduled for Wednesday, 30th October, at the Jerome Hynes Theatre, located within the prestigious National Opera House. Tickets are priced at €10, offering an accessible gateway to an extraordinary experience that lasts approximately 50 minutes.

"Impossible Interview" presents an intriguing concept where the boundaries of time are blurred, allowing for a conversation between the celebrated critic, Mr. Michael Dervan, and the legendary composer Charles Villiers Stanford. Stanford's work, "The Critic," is one of the main stage operas featured in this year's festival, making this event a must-see for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. 

Written and hosted by Michael Dervan, the event promises a symphony of secrets and revelations that defy mortality. This ethereal encounter is not just a performance but a journey into the heart of music and creativity, offering insights and surprises that will captivate the audience.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a unique operatic experience at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable dive into the legacy and magic of opera.

Impossible Interview

Join us at the Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, for the Dr. Tom Walsh Lecture, a highlight of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. This exclusive event, scheduled for Saturday, 19th October at 11 am, promises an enlightening and mysterious journey into the realms of opera and beyond.

Our distinguished guest lecturer, whose identity is being kept a secret to add an element of surprise, is a person of immense importance and influence in Irish life. His accomplishments are unparalleled, and his insights are expected to leave the audience inspired and intrigued. This lecture is not just an event; it's an experience designed to captivate and provoke curiosity and anticipation.

Tickets are priced at €15, making it accessible for everyone who wishes to be part of this unforgettable experience. Don't miss the opportunity to dive into a talk full of discovery, curiosity, and anticipation. Mark your calendars, stay tuned for further updates, and prepare to be part of an event that promises to be a cornerstone of the Wexford Festival Opera 2024.

For tickets and more information, visit the Wexford Festival Opera website or contact the box office directly at 353 53 912 2144. Let the intrigue begin!

Events in Wexford

Le maschere

Wexford Festival Opera

The Critic

Wexford Festival Opera

Le convenienze ed inconve...

Wexford Festival Opera

Puccini: Man of the Theat...

Wexford Festival Opera

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast: A l...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

Lady Gregory in America

Wexford Festival Opera

Pagliacci

Wexford Festival Opera

Gala Concert

Wexford Festival Opera

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Wexford Festival Opera

The Factory Concert

Wexford Festival Opera

Lunchtime Recitals

Wexford Festival Opera

Impossible Interview

Wexford Festival Opera

Dr Tom Walsh Lecture

Wexford Festival Opera