Wexford Festival Opera Hits 74 with Bold New Season of Myth and Music
Opera lovers will delight at this “most friendly of festivals” which shines a light on rare masterpieces.
2023, Wexford Festival Opera, L'Aube Rouge, National Opera House, Co Wexford
The pretty harbour town of Wexford in Ireland’s Ancient East becomes a magnet for opera fans in the autumn when it stages Wexford Festival Opera (17 October – 1 November), a critically acclaimed celebration of rare operatic gems and emerging talent.
Now in its 74th year, the boutique festival has a global reputation for its bold programming seeking out forgotten operatic treasures and presenting them in world-class productions. This year’s theme is Myths and Legends and the three main stage operas will be Verdi’s Le Trouvère (1857), Handel’s Deidamia (1741) and Delius’ The Magic Fountain (1895). These will take place in the multi-award-winning National Opera House, Ireland’s only custom-built opera venue, which has a sumptuous walnut-lined auditorium and horseshoe-shaped balconies that enhance the connection between audience and performers.
2023, Wexford Festival Opera, Zoraida di Granata, National Opera House, Co Wexford
Other highlights of the festival include two Pocket Opera/Opera Beag and the hugely popular Community Opera, where members of the local community perform alongside a professional cast in the Grain Store at Stonebridge. Lunchtime recitals, talks, lectures, and short night operas in Green Acres Gallery round off the ticketed events.
Wexford town gives itself completely to the festival during its run creating a friendly and welcoming environment for the 20,000 people who come to see the performances. On opening night, thousands gather on the quay to watch the fireworks display ahead of the curtain rising on the first opera of the season. The pop-up musical and theatrical events that take place in unexpected indoor and outdoor locations during the festival turn the whole town into a stage and add to the vibrant atmosphere. Restaurants and pubs also get involved by offering pre- and post-performance themed dinners and drinks which extend the enjoyment of the events and create a dynamic festival community.
Wexford Festival Opera comes to a close with the Gala Concert, a fun journey through opera repertoires and songs that is a favourite with fans.
During the festival, visitors have the chance to discover the charms of Wexford town which carries the imprint of its Viking and medieval past in its cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and heritage buildings like Selskar Abbey. Afterwards, take the opportunity to explore further and see some of County Wexford’s top attractions.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, Co Wexford
Spend an afternoon at Johnstown Castle Estate where you can tour the fairytale turreted castle which has a fascinating 800-year history and exquisite restored interiors. Or delve into 9,000 years of Irish history at the Irish National Heritage Park. The 35-acre outdoor museum has guided tours and heritage experiences that enable you to step into the shoes of a Viking or learn the skills of falconry.
Maybe head to the coast for a bracing stroll along one of the county’s six Blue Flag beaches or a visit to historic Hook Lighthouse which has kept ships safe for over 800 years and still stands proudly at the edge of the Hook Peninsula.