The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival returns in 2026, promising a rich tapestry of musical performances and cultural experiences across Ireland. From Handel's poignant 'Acis and Galatea' performed by candlelight in a historic cathedral to open-air recitals echoing through picturesque landscapes, this festival offers something for every music enthusiast. With a blend of classical operas, intimate recitals, and tributes to literary giants, the festival brings together renowned artists and emerging talents in a celebration of artistry that resonates through time and place.

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026: A Symphony of Artistry and Heritage

Handel’s Acis and Galatea recounts the tragic love between the sea-nymph Galatea and the shepherd Acis. Their happiness is destroyed by the jealousy of the Cyclops Polyphemus, who kills Acis by crushing him with a rock. In her grief, Galatea transforms him into a flowing river, so that their love endures beyond death – a myth of beauty, loss, and eternal devotion that inspired Handel’s enduring pastoral opera.  This one-hour opera will be performed by candlelight, featuring the Irish Baroque Orchestra in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore – an evocative setting for this timeless work.

Acis and Galatea

St Carthage's Cathedral, Church of Ireland

This year, we continue our pop-up programme of free open air recitals. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some highlights of the classical and operatic repertoire in a less formal way. We present these free open air recitals as an opportunity to enjoy a flavour of the festival with some beautiful music, at outdoor settings around the Blackwater Valley, with classical and opera highlights performed by artists from this year’s Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.

BVOF Open Air: Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal, Castlemartyr

Millennium Park

Castlemartyr Resort

Green Park, Youghal

Walton Park

Through her Eyes: Love and Loss Recital

Tourin House

Mozart’s Don Giovanni hurtles between comedy, danger, and seduction as a notorious libertine pursues pleasure until vengeance and justice close in. From a deadly duel to a ghostly reckoning, the drama ignites in the historic stable yards of Lismore Castle with sharp humour, beauty, and a touch of the supernatural.

Don Giovanni

Lismore Castle

Tara Erraught: Arias and Lieder Recital

Ballynatray House

BVOF Chorus Recital

Villierstown Church

Cushendall: Irish Song Cycles – Charles Villiers Stanford

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has collaborated with Irish Heritage to enhance their annual Music Bursary for the Irish Heritage Award since 2017. The historic Salterbridge House will host performances by winners of the Irish Heritage Bursary 2026.

Irish Heritage Recital

Salterbridge House

2026 BVOF Bursary Award Winners: Conor Prendiville and Dida Condria.

BVOF Bursary Recital

A fusion of poetry and music honouring Samuel Beckett – one of Ireland’s most influential literary figures.

Irish Writers’ Series: Samuel Beckett

Inspired by Oliver Goldsmith’s poem, this Irish opera reflects on the decline of rural life and the passing of a once-vibrant community. Its music combines Romantic lyricism with Irish melodic colour, creating a portrait of nostalgia and quiet dignity. Presented in concert form, it offers a rare glimpse into Ireland’s early operatic voice – a rarely heard gem of the nineteenth-century repertoire.

Irish Salon Opera Series: The Deserted Village by John William Glover

A wordless opera by Karen Power, performed by members of OYOI (Open Youth Orchestra of Ireland – musicians living with disabilities), students from RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music), with technological instrumentalists, choir, soundscapes, and forest soundscapes.

When Forests Sing

Lismore Heritage Centre

Established in 2017, the RDS Collins Memorial award is at the forefront of celebrating and supporting classical music excellence. The recital features the 2026 RDS Collins Memorial winner within the historic surrounds of St. Carthage’s Cathedral, and honours the late Michael O’Brien.

RDS Collins Memorial Recital

Experience a rare and captivating musical encounter as Dearbhla Collins and Finghin Collins share the stage in a special double bill celebrating operatic dances for two grand pianos. This unique programme showcases the artistry and dynamic interplay of two of Ireland’s most distinguished pianists as they bring sweeping operatic favourites to life with colour, passion, and virtuosity.

Dancing Pianos! A Duet of Rhythm and Drama

Dromore Yard

Pianist Magdalene Ho returns to Dromore Yard, joined by clarinettist Pierre Génisson and violinist Elias David Moncado.

Magdalene Ho & Friends: French Elegance & Eastern Fire

Artistic collaborators, Niamh O’Sullivan and Gary Beecher, return to BVOF following their sold out 2025 concert, When Birds do Sing at Dromore Yard. Niamh and Gary will premiere a new programme curated specifcally for this unique venue. Watersongs will explore the theme of water across the classical song repertoire, presented along the banks of the River Blackwater.

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival

26 - 28 May, 2026

Acis and Galatea

26 - 31 May, 2026

BVOF Open Air: Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal, Castlemartyr

May 27, 2026

Through her Eyes: Love and Loss Recital

May 27 - Jun 1, 2026

Don Giovanni

May 28, 2026

Tara Erraught: Arias and Lieder Recital

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Blackwater Valley Opera Festival