Blackwater Valley Opera Festival opens today (26 May), welcoming more than 5,500 visitors to Waterford and East Cork for a week of opera, music, culture and dining across some of Ireland’s most historic and distinctive settings.
Running until 1 June, this year’s festival features more than 100 artists and over 75 hours of live performance across Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal and Castlemartyr, with four opera productions at its heart alongside concerts and recitals across the week.
Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Lismore Castle, conducted by Peter Whelan and directed by Tom Creed, with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, is now completely sold out, while limited tickets remain for a range of other events across festival week, including Handel’s Acis and Galatea at St Carthage’s Cathedral, also performed with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, concerts at Dromore Yard, and a series of operas and recitals across the region.
Eamonn Carroll, Festival Director of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, said:
“The first day of the festival is always a hugely exciting moment for us, as the Blackwater Valley comes alive with music and audiences from near and far. We’re incredibly proud of the calibre of artists performing this year and the richness of the programme. There’s an incredible atmosphere across the week – whether you’re coming to see an opera, concert, recital, a free daytime event, or joining us as we introduce the new BVOF Castleacre Volunteer Recognition Award, there is something for everyone. We’d encourage people to come along, experience it for themselves, and be part of what makes this festival so unique.”
Highlights this week include:
- Don Giovanni at Lismore Castle – a rare immersive opera experience combining Mozart’s masterpiece with dining, gardens and a purpose-built covered auditorium.
- Acis and Galatea at St Carthage’s Cathedral – Handel’s opera performed with the Irish Baroque Orchestra in the setting of Lismore’s historic Cathedral.
- Dromore Yard Concerts – performances from leading Irish and international artists in a distinctive riverside venue along the Blackwater.
- Recitals in Historic Houses – intimate performances staged within some of the Blackwater Valley’s private homes and heritage properties.
- When Forests Sing – a powerful, wordless opera bringing together professional and community performers in an inclusive production.
- Free Open-Air Lunchtime Recitals – daytime performances in Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal and Castlemartyr, open to all with pre-booking advised.
Fans of opera and classical music can also enjoy specially curated food experiences throughout the week, from gourmet picnics in the grounds of Lismore Castle and Dromore Yard to formal opera dining experiences during festival week.
With a strong focus on emerging talent, the festival’s Bursary Awards support the next generation of Irish performers, many of whom feature in this year’s programme.
A vibrant education programme also sees hundreds of local students taking part in workshops, performances and the festival’s opening ceremony in Lismore today.
Booking Information
There are still tickets available for selected events across festival week. Full programme details and booking information are available at www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie or through the BVOF Box Office on 087 407 9250.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is supported by grants from the Arts Council of Ireland and Waterford City & County Council. The festival’s lead sponsors are The James and Deirdre Dyson Trust, John Pollard Foundation, Kildare Village, Silvercrest Asset Management Group, and Curraghmore Whiskey.
