EVENTS GUIDE
May - October 2016
New events being added all the time. Be first in the know by subscribing to events on Facebook.com/NationalOperaHouse or visit our website Nationaloperahouse.ie
4-7 MAY
“Vigorous, pacy, staging” The Irish Times
WED - SAT 8 P.M.
E18 - E32 O’REILLY THEATRE
Th’ time is rotten ripe for revolution. Set amid the tumult of the Easter Rising, The Plough and the Stars is the story of ordinary lives ripped apart by the idealism of the time. Olivier Award-winning director, Sean Holmes, will bring a new perspective to Sean O’Casey’s absorbing play - one of the highlights of the Abbey’s centenary programme. Cast includes: Ian Lloyd Anderson, Kate Brennan, Ciaran O’Brien, Nyree Yergainharsian, Janet Moran, Lloyd Cooney, Ger Kelly and Liam Heslin. For details on school performances, please contact the box office on +353 53 912 2144
Finbar Furey 14 MAY
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E25 - E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Finbar Furey is one of Ireland’s musical legends originally garnering success producing a unique uilleann pipe sound with his band The Furey Brothers, who had a stellar career spanning over 30 years. The group produced well known hits that included Red Rose Café and Leaving Nancy among others. He now works solo and his most recent single The Last Great Love Song, charted at number one in the Irish charts against Mundy’s song Jigsaw Man in 2013.
The County Wexford School of Music
Showcase Concert 15 MAY
SUNDAY 7 P.M.
E15/E12 O’REILLY THEATRE
The County Wexford School of Music will showcase its talented students in an eclectic mix of music from our junior music makers, classical wind and jazz ensembles, light opera, flamboyant solo performances and orchestral collaborations with Wexford singer songwriter The Man Whom and special guest Deirdre Masterson.
Opera Theatre Company
La bohème 19 MAY
THURSDAY E27/E30 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
A chance encounter in a freezing attic results in a red-hot affair between penniless poet Rodolfo and innocent seamstress Mimi. But will their love be strong enough to survive against the odds? Ben Barnes directs a sterling cast of Irish and international singers, including rising star soprano Máire Flavin, Argentinian tenor Pablo Bemsch, Sinead Campbell-Wallace, Charles Rice, Padraic Rowan and Rory Musgrave. Conducted by Andrew Greenwood with design by Joe Vanek. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Derek Acorah
Tour of Ireland with Special Guest Tara Coyle
20 MAY
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E27/E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Probably the most famous psychic medium in the world, Derek Acorah’s appeal crosses the generations to young and old alike. He will be joined for the first time on stage by Tara Coyle, who is rapidly becoming one of the country’s best loved psychics herself.
Scalder Theatre Presents
Of Mornington A Billy Roche Play 23-28 MAY
MON-SAT 8 P.M.
E15 - E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Scalder Theatre Company is proud to present the world premiere of Billy Roche’s new play Of Mornington - a bittersweet story of loves lost, dreams shattered, where characters cling to the promise of a redemptive future- a redemption that requires two men, one woman and….a cue.
“Billy Roche - a successor to Brian Friel.” The Times
The Faith of Ireland, the Faith of the World 27 MAY
FRIDAY 7.30 P.M.
E10 - E20 O’REILLY THEATRE
Through collaborations with the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir from the USA and the County Wexford musical community, the House of Brigid (Teach Bhríde) programme based in Wexford Town presents an exciting, transatlantic choral concert with the newly formed Ferns Festival Choir and Wexford Youth Chorus. Repertoire includes works by Rutter, French, Lauridsen, and Caldwell and Ivory, in addition to contemporary works of sacred music by American composers Steven Warner and Karen Schneider Kirner.
Cape Town Opera Recital 1 JUNE
WEDNESDAY 7.30 P.M.
E20 - E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
“Singing their own story” The Cape Times
Cape Town Opera begins its European summer season with a recital at the National Opera House and Wigmore Hall with an inspiring compilation of opera, gospel and African folk music. The six singers - Siphamandla Yakupa, Lukhanyo Moyake, Mandla Mndebele, Pumza Mxinwa, Yamakani Mahaka-Phiri and Candida Mosoma will sing a selection of arias from the Mandela Trilogy. This recital marks Cape Town Opera’s premiere and the debut of South African classical vocalists at Ireland’s National Opera House and London’s world-renowned concert hall. Program 60-70mins in length. Accompanied by piano.
Anúna 11 JUNE
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E20 - E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
The name Anúna is derived from the Gaelic term An Uaithne, a collective description for the three ancient forms of Irish music - Goltraí (song of lament), Geantraí (song of joy) and Suantraí (the lullaby). Anúna have appeared at some of the greatest music venues in the world and 11 June we are excited to welcome them to Wexford. The performance will feature a span of material from Anúna’s varied and eclectic repertoire, including songs from the tradition, the medieval era and works composed around the writings of the great Irish poets. Also featured will be a number of pieces from the latest release by the group, Revelation.
“Anúna is legitimate folklore that weaves religious and secular threads into an enchanting sonic tapestry” Billboard
Music for Wexford
Brahms 17 JUNE
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E7 - E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
This is a rare opportunity to hear these two magnificent string sextets played by some of Ireland’s most exciting string players, all of whom are members of Music Ireland. The ensemble comprises: Mia Cooper and Jane Hackett (violin), Beth McNinch and David Kenny (viola) and William Butt and Grainne Hope (cello). This wonderful programme consists of Brahms String Sextet no 1 in B Flat major op 18 and no 2 in G Major op 26.
Destination Dance 25 SATURDAY E14 - E17 JUNE 3 P.M. & 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
Destination Dance is Sheila Grace Dance Company’s 16th stage production and promises to be the most spectacular to date. Grab your sunglasses, suitcase and Hawaiian shirt and prepare for a trip of a lifetime. The Sheila Grace flight crew will take your ticket boarding passes and show to your seats. You will then embark on a theatre experience like no other! This is a holiday experience, educational tour dance show not to be missed and promises to have something for all ages.
Wexford School of Ballet
Sleeping Beauty 2-3 JULY
SAT-SUN 8 P.M.
E16 CHILD E24 ADULT O’REILLY THEATRE
Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts have now been turning out hundreds of dancers for 50 years. Students have danced professionally all over the world, become teachers, choreographers, examiners and directors. Sleeping Beauty was the first ballet ever performed by the school back 1968 by Ann O’Leary and now some 47 years later Ann’s daughter Suzanne, now at the helm of the school, will produce it once again. A beautiful nights entertainment for the whole family.
Patrick Talbot Productions
God Bless the Child 7 JULY
THURSDAY E20/E23 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
This acclaimed play is based on stories by Frank O’Connor and adapted for the stage, directed by Patrick Talbot. Following a hugely successful national tour in 2015, which included a season at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin, the critically acclaimed God Bless the Child now embarks on a new national tour in 2016, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Frank O’Connor. The childhood stories of Frank O’Connor are universally regarded as being classics of their kind. Three of the funniest: First Confession, My Oedipus Complex and The Genius have been brought together within a single full-length play. Starring: Ciaran Bermingham, Shane Casey and Gary Murphy.
“A thoroughly enjoyable parcelling of three of Ireland’s best short stories” The Irish Times
Après Match 7 JULY 9 JULY
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
“Best comedy output from RTÉ in a few years” The Irish Times
With Euro 2016 just around the corner Après Match are ready to come out of hibernation and play ball. Ireland’s premier pundit pisstakers, Après Match first appeared on RTE in 1998 and have since performed sell out shows throughout the country as well as producing six chart-topping DVD’s. All credit to the Après Match Team, Gary Cooke, Risteárd Cooper and Barry Murphy for this new show full of spooferism, chancerism and peacocking. This will not be a good night; it will be a great night. It’s the best live action you’ll see this summer.
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland
Summer Proms
23 JULY
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E10 - E22 O’REILLY THEATRE
The National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Gearóid Grant, comprises Ireland’s most talented 12-18 year olds. The orchestra presents an ambitious programme with 101 young musicians as part of its National Summer Proms tour. The programme includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (Pathétique), as well as a selection of works by Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. Composer, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, will join the orchestra on stage as piano soloist for a performance of his best-loved works. Guest musician is renowned traditional flute player, Niall Keegan.
Wexford Festival Opera
Herculanum 26, 29 OCTOBER 1, 4 NOVEMBER
WED, SAT, TUE, FRI
E25 - E145 O’REILLY THEATRE
Mount Vesuvius is a silent but powerful presence in one of the most famous of all operas, Mozart’s Così fan tutte, whose Neapolitan setting finds its characters sitting on something of an emotional volcano. Dating 70 years after Mozart’s masterpiece, Félicien David’s until recently forgotten Herculanum puts the peak and indeed its calamitous eruption centre-stage: the original production at the Paris Opéra in 1859 featured a stunning visual climax with the destruction of the entire cast. Conducted by Wexford Festival Opera Artistic Director David Agler and directed by Stephen Medcalf. Cast includes Olga Busuioc, Daniela Pini, Andrew Haji and Simon Bailey. More details at Wexfordopera.com
“In a small fishing town in Ireland something extraordinary happens every October.” The Times, 2015
Wexford Festival Opera
Vanessa 27, 30 OCTOBER 2, 5 NOVEMBER
THUR, SUN, E25 - E145 WED, SAT O’REILLY THEATRE
Though not totally neglected, Barber’s first opera deserves to be much better known than it is. There are few operas of the last half-century that have such obvious audience- and singer-appeal. Vanessa received a glamorous premiere at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1958, directed by Menotti, designed by Cecil Beaton and conducted by Dmitri Mitropoulos. The cast featured Eleanor Steber, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik and Nicolai Gedda. (Callas had turned down the title role because no one could expect her to fall for a man who had slept with a mezzo-soprano.) Six years later Barber tightened the opera, reducing it from four to three acts by running the original first two acts together and cutting a coloratura aria for Vanessa herself. It is this more compact, two-hour version that we see at Wexford. Conducted by Timothy Myers and directed by James Robinson. Cast includes Alwyn Mellor, Carolyn Sproule, Rosalind Plowright and Michael Brandenburg. More details at Wexfordopera.com
“This tiny estuarial fishing town must be the smallest place in the world to boast an international lyric theatre - last year named as Ireland’s National Opera House” The Sunday Times, 2015
Wexford Festival Opera
Maria De Rudenz 28, 31 OCTOBER 3, 6 NOVEMBER
THUR, SUN, E25 - E145 WED, SAT O’REILLY THEATRE
Maria de Rudenz has been described as ‘perhaps the darkest of Donizetti’s tragedies’, which is saying something and may account in part for the opera’s long-standing neglect. First performed at La Fenice in Venice in 1838, Maria de Rudenz comes in the sequence of Donizetti’s 70 or so operas between Roberto Devereux and Poliuto and is thus a work of the composer’s full mastery. This autumn’s Irish premiere is the latest in a series of important Donizetti revivals at Wexford, which has played a major role in what remains an ongoing Donizetti renaissance. It is surely no coincidence that Wexford Festival Opera’s lifetime has overlapped with Donizetti’s reversal of fortune – the composer who 65 years ago was all but written off as intellectually disreputable has now regained his rightful place in the operatic canon. Conducted by Andrew Greenwood, directed by Fabio Ceresa and costume design by Giuseppe Palella. Cast includes Gilda Fiume, Joo Wan Kang and Jesus Garcia. More details at Wexfordopera.com
“Rarity and variety are Wexford watchwords.” Bachtrack, 2015
Dr. Tom Walsh Lecture 28 OCT
FRIDAY 11 A.M.
E10 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
The 2016 Dr Tom Walsh Lecture will be given by John Julius Norwich (John Julius Cooper, 2nd Viscount Norwich, CVO) one of the most distinguished and charismatic writers and broadcasters of our time. Tea and coffee will be served after the Lecture. Tickets €10. Kindly supported by Victoria WalshHamer
Gala Concert
30 OCT
SUNDAY 9 P.M.
E50 - E60 O’REILLY THEATRE
The Gala Concert is one of the highlights of Wexford Festival Opera and features a collection of favourite party pieces from members of the Festival company. All performers generously donate their time and talent for the Gala Concert, and all proceeds go toward supporting Wexford Festival Opera. The 2016 Gala Concert will be hosted by one of Wexford Festival’s favourite directors, Roberto Recchia. Early booking is advised.
Piano Recital
Barry Douglas 31 OCT
MONDAY 11 A.M.
E25 - E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Barry Douglas has established a major international career since winning the Gold Medal at the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition, Moscow. As Artistic Director of Camerata Ireland and the Clandeboyne Festival, he continues to celebrate his Irish heritage whilst also maintaining a busy international touring schedule. The programme includes Schubert: Impromptus Op 90 (D899), Brahms: Klavierstücke Op 76, Schubert: Piano Sonata in A Major (D959). Sponsored by Terry and Marjorie Neill.
Wexford Festival Opera
Choral Concert
5 NOV
SATURDAY 11 A.M.
E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri (The Limbs of Jesus) is an intensely personal composition, consisting of seven symmetrically constructed cantatas. Each describes Christ’s agony on the Cross through a different part of His body. The management of contrasting textures and timbres is masterly, and not one bar of the score is anything short of miraculous.
Show
Day
Date
Time
Venue
Price
Abbey Theatre on Tour ‘The Plough and the Stars’ by Sean O’Casey
Wednesday to Saturday
4-7 May
8pm Nightly
O’Reilly Theatre
Stalls Centre: €18-€32
Finbar Furey
Saturday
14 May
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€25 - €30
The County Wexford School of Music 2016 Showcase Concert
Sunday
15 May
7pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€15/€12
Opera Theatre Company ‘La bohème’
Thursday
19 May
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€27- €30
Derek Acorah 2016 Tour of Ireland With Special Guest Tara Coyle
Friday
20 May
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€27- €30
Scalder Theatre presents Of Mornington
Monday to Saturday
23-28 May
8pm
Jerome Hynes Theatre
€15 - €20
The Faith of Ireland, the Faith of the World
Friday
27 May
7:30pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€10 - €20
Cape Town Opera Recital
Wednesday
01 June
7:30pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€20 - €25
Anúna
Saturday
11 June
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€20 - €30
Music for Wexford - Brahms Sextet
Friday
17 June
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€7 - €20
Destination Dance
Saturday
25 June
3pm 8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€14 - €17
Wexford School of Ballet Sleeping Beauty
Saturday to Sunday
2-3 July
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€16 - €24
God Bless the Child - Patrick Talbot Productions
Thursday
07 July
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€20 - €23
Après Match - During The Euros
Saturday
09 July
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€25
National Youth Orchestra of Ireland Summer Proms
Saturday
23 July
8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€10 - €22
MAY
JUNE
JULY
Show
Day
Date
Time
Venue
Price
Wexford Festival Opera Herculanum
26 Oct, 29 Oct, 01 Nov, 04 Nov
8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€25 - €145
Wexford Festival Opera Vanessa
27 Oct 30 Oct 02 Nov 05 Nov
8pm 5pm 8pm 8pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€25 - €145
Wexford Festival Opera Maria De Rudenz
28 Oct 31 Oct 03 Nov 06 Nov
8pm 8pm 8pm 5pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€25 - €145
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
Dr. Tom Walsh Lecture
Friday
28 Oct
11am
Jerome Hynes Theatre
€27- €30
Gala Concert
Sunday
30 Oct
9pm
O’Reilly Theatre
€50 - €60
Piano Recital Barry Douglas
Monday
31 Oct
11am
O’Reilly Theatre
€25 - €30
Wexford Festival Opera Choral Concert
Saturday
05 Nov
11am
O’Reilly Theatre
€25
KEY Opera Theatre Dance Music
Comedy Family
Community
Check the website daily for regular updates and the latest events
Upcoming Workshops SONGS FOR WAR AND ROMANCE THURS 19 MAY AT 12.30 P.M. 1916 and Ireland is on the brink of civil war while Irish soldiers have yet to experience the ‘Battle of the Somme’: In the midst of war music brings relief. This two hour workshop will have you singing the chart hits of the day, set against the protest and patriotic songs of the period. €20 | Duration: 2 hours
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC… THURS 2 JUNE AT 12.30 P.M. Relax into summer with Abba. Sing the songs, learn the harmonies, and then eat a Greek inspired lunch. These two hour workshops are particularly suited to those who always wanted to sing but didn’t know they could. €20 | Duration: 2 hours
BACK TO SCHOOL MUSIC WORKSHOPS. THURS 25 AUGUST 10.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M. A dynamic workshop for young people aged between 15-17 years who are interested in music. Perfect for those about to start Junior Cert. You will explore the musical elements involved in creating and harmonising simple tunes, experience listening and understanding music through drama and dance and improve your vocal performance with some technical tips. This is an intensive day to get you started, please wear loose clothing and flat shoes. €20
SHAKE, RATTLE, SING WED 24 AUGUST 10.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M. Experience a day of Dance, Drama Music, and Singing. Create your own short performance. Ideal for children ages 10-13 years. The day includes:Let’s get a voice - finding a singing voice, communicating and expressing ourselves through singing. Let’s get rhythm - Create rhythmic patterns, experiment and develop textures using voices and percussion instruments.
To book contact Elizabeth on 086 121 4218 Early booking essential.
Let’s get moving - how to shape sounds and rhythms into stories Let’s perform - Short performance of improvised piece. This is an intensive day to get you started, please wear loose clothing and flat shoes. €20
booking We offer a wide range of cultural events year round in our award-winning performance spaces; the O’Reilly Theatre and the Jerome Hynes Theatre. New events being added all the time. Be first in the know by subscribing to events on Facebook.com/NationalOperaHouse or visit our website Nationaloperahouse.ie
Opera Theatre Dance Music
Comedy Family
Community
booking information How to book at the National Opera House In Person The box office is located in the foyer of the National Opera House, High Street, Wexford. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
By Phone Our Box Office phone number is: +353 53 912 2144/1850 4 OPERA Box Office phone lines are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Online You can buy tickets online at Nationaloperahouse.ie On Sundays, Bank Holidays and performance days the Box Office opens three hours in advance of the performance.
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