2018 Season Brochure by Wexford Festival Opera

DISCOVER A HIDDEN GEM WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA 19 OCTOBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 NOVEMBER

www.wexfordopera.com

2018 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME Book tickets at Wexfordopera.com or call 1850 4 OPERA 2017 BEST FESTIVAL

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

FUNDERS AND SPONSORS Principal Funder

Grant Funders

Corporate Leaders

Corporate Sponsors

Official IT & Communications Partner

Community & Education Partners

Accommodation Partners

Preferred Hotel Partner

Media and Hospitality Partners

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S WELCOME Greetings. This October Wexford comes alive with musicians and creative artists from many countries and disciplines to present the 67th incarnation of the Wexford Festival. Seventeen days of opera, concerts, recitals, and conversation will take place in the town’s charming venues and Ireland’s National Opera House. Created in 1951, the Festival attracts internationallyrenowned singers, as well as brilliant conductors, directors and designers to present innovative and rarely-performed operas. Anyone visiting the Festival can honestly boast of attending performances of works which others will never have heard of or seen. On the main stage of the National Opera House, we offer four unique operas this season. If you like your entertainment gritty and dramatic, nothing will prepare you for our season-opening double bill of Franco Leoni’s L’oracolo (The Oracle), and Umberto Giordano’s Mala vita (Wretched Life). The drama and pathos contained in both pieces are incredibly moving. Our second offering is the much-anticipated European premiere of American composer William Bolcom’s Dinner at Eight, based on the Depression-era play by George S. Kaufman. An art deco mélange set during the great depression, contrasting the glamorous lives of Manhattan socialites trying desperately to ignore the starving masses just outside their doors. We close our mainstage offerings with a classic Wexford rarity, Saverio Mercadante’s Il bravo (The Assassin), set in the magnificent city of Venice with a storyline full of intrigue, murder, and a dead wife who isn’t quite dead!

PHOTO BY 21STOPS.COM

If you don’t have time to commit to a full evening’s entertainment, we offer three ‘ShortWorks’ almost every afternoon which are typically just over one hour in length. This year we are excited to present Donizetti’s hilarious comedy Don Pasquale, Puccini’s Wild West setting of the very moving Il fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West), and a tribute celebrating the centenary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, Bernstein à la carte, featuring some of his best-loved compositions for voice. You will find many other unique events on offer at this year’s Festival described within these pages. Whether you come for an afternoon, and evening or a full long weekend, we look forward to offering you a warm Wexford welcome. David Agler, Artistic Director

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

OPERA – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

L’ORACOLO / MALA VITA FRANCO LEONI

UMBERTO GIORDANO

Francesco Cilluffo, Conductor / Rodula Gaitanou, Director L’oracolo (The Oracle) has been described as ‘a violent and lurid affair full of greed, evil, and revenge’. The drama is laced with a kidnapping and two murders, one with an axe to the head, around the opium dens of Chinatown. The intensity in the action is relentless, and indeed the singing moves quickly from one highly dramatic scene to the next, with very little let up in intensity. The dramatic story of Mala Vita (Wretched Life) revolves around a love triangle between Vito, a dyer afflicted with tuberculosis; Cristina, a prostitute who longs to be released from her sordid life, and whom Vito has vowed to marry in return for God curing him of his disease; and Amalia, Vito’s mistress who is married to Annetiello, a hard-drinking habitué of the brothels. TICKETS €20 – €150 Friday 19 October – 8 p.m. / Thursday 25 October – 8 p.m. Sunday 28 October – 3 p.m. / Wednesday 31 October – 8 p.m. Saturday 3 November – 8 p.m. Presented with the support of the Bravura Friends of Wexford Festival Opera

25 OCTOBER SPONSOR

OPERA – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

DINNER AT EIGHT

WILLIAM BOLCOM / MARK CAMPBELL

David Agler, Conductor / Tomer Zvulun, Director Leslie Dala, Conductor (23 October) Dinner at Eight revolves around an ill-fated dinner organized by Millicent Jordan. In the week preceding the party, Millicent’s husband, Oliver, is diagnosed with a fatal heart disorder and discovers that his struggling shipping line has become the object of a hostile takeover; their daughter Paula’s lover (dissipated matinée idol Larry Renault, also an invitee) stages a theatrical suicide; the guests of honour, an English lord and lady, blow off the engagement and decamp for Florida; and the cook’s pièce de résistance comes crashing to the kitchen floor… Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer William Bolcom and renowned librettist Mark Campbell have created a winning new work that successfully weds American musical comedy, jazz, and opera. TICKETS €20 – €150 Saturday 20 October – 8 p.m. / Tuesday 23 October – 8 p.m. Friday 26 October – 8 p.m. / Thursday 1 November – 8 p.m. Sunday 4 November – 8 p.m. PRODUCTION SPONSOR

20 OCTOBER SPONSOR

1 NOVEMBER SPONSOR

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OPERA – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

IL BRAVO

SAVERIO MERCADANTE

Jonathan Brandani, Conductor Barbe & Doucet, Direction and Design Set in Venice, Il bravo (The Assassin) of the title is a tormented character who long ago killed his wife in a fit of jealousy. Unjustly accused of plotting against the state, he has been forced by the Council of Ten to become their secret hired assassin, while his father is held hostage to compel his obedience. The story also involves Pisani, a young man under sentence of banishment, in love with a girl whom he believes to be immured in Venice; Violetta, the girl in question, who has been under the protection of the Bravo since the murder of her guardian by a would-be abductor; and Teodora, a wealthy foreigner living in Venice, who turns out to be not only Violetta’s mother but also the Bravo’s wife, whom he had not killed after all. TICKETS €20 – €150 Sunday 21 October – 5 p.m. / Wednesday 24 October – 8 p.m. Saturday 27 October – 8 p.m. / Tuesday 30 October – 8 p.m. Friday 2 November – 8 p.m. 21 October Performance Sponsor: Brenda and Lochlann Quinn 27 October Performance Sponsor: Terry and Marjorie Neill SHORTWORK – CLAYTON WHITE HOTEL

DON PASQUALE GAETANO DONIZETTI

Don Pasquale, an old bachelor, is very demanding and hard on his nephew Ernesto, who he prefers to disinherit rather than see marry a woman he finds “unsuitable”. Pasquale decides to marry himself and produce his own heirs. Dr. Malatesta agrees to help him find a suitable wife. He suggests Don Pasquale marry his sister, a shy convent girl named “Sofronia”. In fact, Sofronia is Norina in disguise, who Malatesta convinces to go along with his plan in order to be closer to Ernesto, with whom she is in love. Married to the elderly curmudgeon, she soon turns into a shrew and Don Pasquale soon regrets his decision. Convinced that Sofronia has a secret lover, Don Pasquale tries to trick her, but in fact he is the one who is duped. Realising he has been manipulated, Don Pasquale recognises that marriage is not for him and consents to the union of Ernesto with Norina. TICKETS €30 20, 24, 27, 31 October – 3.30 p.m. 3 November – 3.30 p.m The Festival ShortWorks are made possible by the generous support of The Lord Magan of Castletown

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

SHORTWORK – CLAYTON WHITE HOTEL

BERNSTEIN À LA CARTE LEONARD BERNSTEIN

Wexford perennial favourite Roberto Recchia will direct this celebration of one of America’s greatest composers and conductors. A group of singers organize a birthday party for Leonard Bernstein. They wait, everything is ready, but the guest of honour is late. While they wait, they play, they sing, they read excerpts from his letters. The result is a colourful musical portrait of one of the best loved composers and conductors. The program will include solos and ensembles from Bernstein’s most celebrated musicals, as well some of his lesser-known songs (including the two cycles I hate to sing and La bonne cuisine). TICKETS €30 21 October – 12 p.m., 28 October – 11 a.m. 25 October, 1 November – 3.30 p.m. The Festival ShortWorks are made possible by the generous support of The Lord Magan of Castletown

SHORTWORK – CLAYTON WHITE HOTEL

LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST GIACOMO PUCCINI

With the success of Madame Butterfly, Puccini received worldwide adulation. Six years later, after a trip to America where the new continent won him over, he composed La Fanciulla del West, which once again was an immediate success. The original and inventive music is perfectly matched to the dramatic situations and liveliness of the plot. Minnie, the matron of the Polka saloon, is well-loved by the rough and unruly clientele. Trouble starts, however, when Minnie falls in love with the wanted bandit Ramerrez (aka Dick Johnson). Led by Sheriff Jack Rance, the townspeople hope to hang Ramerrez. In the end, Minnie manages to use her influence to help Ramerrez escape and she and the bandit start a new life together. TICKETS €30 23, 26, 30 October – 3.30 p.m. 2 November – 3.30 p.m. The Festival ShortWorks are made possible by the generous support of The Lord Magan of Castletown

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

ST IBERIUS CHURCH / CLAYTON WHITES HOTEL

DAYTIME EVENTS PACKAGE

PHOTO BY ROSS KAVANAGH

Discover the world of opera with our Daytime Events Package. This is the perfect introduction to Wexford Festival Opera and can be comfortably enjoyed over a few hours in Wexford without staying overnight. The package includes two Festival favourites – a Lunchtime Recital in St Iberius Church and a ShortWork opera in the afternoon in Clayton Whites Hotel – as well as lunch in Clayton Whites Hotel. For groups of fifteen or more, the group organiser receives a complimentary €65 Daytime Events Package ticket. All bookings (group and individual) must be made through the Box Office: +353 53 912 2144. Check our website for more information: wexfordopera.com/programme/event/daytime-events-package-2 TICKETS €65 Approximately 1.05 – 5.00 p.m. Saturday 20 October / Tuesday 23 October Wednesday 24 October / Thursday 25 October Friday 26 October / Saturday 27 October Tuesday 30 October / Wednesday 31 October Thursday 1 November / Friday 2 November LECTURE/RECITAL – ST IBERIUS CHURCH

DR TOM WALSH LECTURE SIR THOMAS ALLEN / STEPHEN HIGGINS

Sir Thomas Allen is one of the most renowned lyric baritones of his generation. Known for his commanding stage presence as well as outstanding vocal and acting prowess on the operatic stage, he has mesmerised audiences from across the world for over forty years since his operatic debut in 1969. As an established star of the great opera houses of the world, he has sung over fifty roles at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; in 2012 he celebrated his 40th anniversary of his debut with the company. An acclaimed recitalist, he is equally renowned on the concert platform and has appeared with the world’s great orchestras and conductors. We are delighted to announce that – in addition to the traditional lecture format – Sir Thomas Allen will also sing, accompanied by the accomplished conductor, Stephen Higgins. TICKETS €15 Saturday 20 October – 10.30 a.m. Kindly supported by Victoria Walsh-Hamer

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

RECITALS – ST IBERIUS CHURCH

LUNCHTIME RECITALS VARIOUS ARTISTS

The very popular Lunchtime Recitals provide an insight into the artistic personality of some of the principal singers of the Festival and are a way to ‘meet’ them in an informal setting. In the beautiful and acoustically excellent eighteenth-century church of St Iberius in the centre of Wexford in Ireland’s Ancient East, audiences appreciate the musical versatility of solo singers who perform a wide variety of music from across the repertoire, including operatic arias, lieder, oratorio, concert and popular songs. One of the delights of attending a Lunchtime Recital is that the programme is not advertised beforehand, so everyone shares the same degree of anticipation and expectation. Unsurprisingly, the Lunchtime Recitals sell out very quickly. The artists and their performance dates will be announced at the beginning of the Festival. TICKETS €15 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 October – 1.05 p.m. 1, 2 November – 1.05 p.m.

PLAY – JEROME HYNES THEATRE

HOLY MARY EOIN COLFER

Written in 2011 by Wexford native Eoin Colfer, and revised in 2018, Holy Mary is the story of two nine-year-old girls on the days leading up to the social occasion of the year: Their First Holy Communion. Mary and Majella have been mortal enemies since baby infants, and things have gotten even worse since Mary’s daddy moved in with Majella’s mammy. Both girls are searching for a way to insult the other, and Majella thinks she has found a weak spot when she realises that Mary’s Communion dress is actually a second-hand dress that she herself donated to the Vincent dePaul. Will Majella use this devastating information to publicly take down her nemesis with a vicious rhyme? Or will she realise that maybe she and Mary are not so different and that maybe they could be allies instead of enemies? Holy Mary, a hilarious and heartbreaking tale of Communion, confusion and consternation. TICKETS €25 Friday 26 October – 8.30 p.m. / Saturday 27 October – 8.30 p.m. Friday 2 November – 8.30 p.m. / Saturday 3 November – 8.30 p.m.

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

RECITAL – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

PIANO RECITAL SAE YOON CHON

Wexford Festival Opera is proud to present a piano recital given by the most recent winner of the 11th Dublin International Piano Competition. This year’s winner is Sae Yoon Chon from South Korea who is the first Asian pianist to win the prize. The Dublin International Piano Competition was established in 1988. Since its foundation, it grown in stature, and now ranks among the most important piano competitions in the world. It offers a generous prize fund, but perhaps the most important prize is the prestigious list of engagements secured for the winner. These include début concerts in London and New York as well as appearances at international festivals and concertos with leading orchestras. Previous winners have launched highly successful international careers from this springboard. Chaired by John O’Conor, the Competition attracts an enormous international entry. TICKETS €25 – €30 Saturday 27 October – 11 a.m.

CONCERT – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

GALA CONCERT VARIOUS ARTISTS

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. TICKETS €50 – €80 Sunday 28 October – 8.30 p.m.

PHOTO © PAULA MALONE CARTY

Early booking is advised.

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

RECITAL – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

VOCAL RECITAL RACHEL KELLY

One of the opera world’s most promising rising stars, Irish mezzosoprano Rachel Kelly is a recent graduate of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden’s Jette Parker Young Artist Programme. For her Wexford Festival Opera recital, Rachel will perform a programme based on French song exploring both familiar and lesser-known French repertoire through romanticism, Impressionism and modernism, as well as some popular opera arias and Irish songs. Rachel is accompanied by Fiachra Garvey, who graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, London in 2013 with 1st class honours and distinction in the MA in Music Performance. This follows a 1st class honours B.A. in Music Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 2011 and a 1st class honours DipMus (performance and teaching) from the RIAM in 2008. TICKETS €25 Saturday 3 November – 12 p.m.

CONCERT – NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT HANDEL – DIXIT DOMINUS Errol Girdlestone, Conductor Dixit Dominus uses the Latin text of Psalm 110 (Vulgate 109), which begins with the words Dixit Dominus (‘The Lord Said’). The work was completed in April 1707 while Handel was living in Italy, and is scored for five vocal soloists (SSATB), five-part chorus, strings and continuo.

THE FOUR SEASONS

Re-composed by Max Richter Leslie Dala, Conductor Modern composer Max Richter re-imagines and re-interprets Vivaldi’s four violin concertos (known as The Four Seasons), producing an interpretation that is both extremely familiar, but modern at the same time. TICKETS €25 Sunday 4 November – 3 p.m.

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

IN CONVERSATION – JEROME HYNES THEATRE

MEET THE CREATORS: IN CONVERSATION WITH THE COMPOSER AND LIBRETTIST OF DINNER AT EIGHT Following the European premiere of Dinner at Eight, please join us in conversation with the opera’s composer William Bolcom, and librettist Mark Campbell.

WILLIAM BOLCOM

MARK CAMPBELL

FERRYCARRIG HOTEL

TICKETS ARE FREE, BUT MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE Sunday 21 October – 10 a.m.

EXCLUSIVE MIDWEEK HOTEL PACKAGES If you haven’t already booked your tickets, why not consider three exclusive midweek opera packages with our partner hotels, the 4-star Ferrycarrig Hotel, the 4-star Clayton Whites Hotel and the 4 star Talbot Hotel? These all-inclusive overnight packages include main stage opera tickets, accommodation, dinner and more. Dress up in your finery and enjoy a rare experience.

CLAYTON WHITES HOTEL

FERRYCARRIG HOTEL ‘OPERA PACKAGE’ FROM €220 PPS The package includes Bed & Breakfast with dinner and a glass of Prosecco in the award-winning Reed’s Restaurant. Complimentary Shuttle to the National Opera House. To book please contact the Ferrycarrig Hotel directly on www.ferrycarrighotel.ie or call +353 53 912 0999.

CLAYTON WHITES HOTEL ‘FESTIVAL FEAST’ FROM €219 PPS

THE TALBOT HOTEL

The package includes Bed & Breakfast, a glass of prosecco and dinner in the Terrace Restaurant. 5 minute walk to the National Opera House. To book please contact Clayton Whites Hotel directly on www.claytonwhiteshotel.com or call +353 53 912 2311. OPERAS/DATES FOR THE FERRYCARRIG HOTEL AND CLAYTON WHITES HOTEL: Tues 23 October Dinner at Eight (8 p.m.) Wed 24 October Il bravo (8 p.m.) Sun 4 November Dinner at Eight (8 p.m.) Tues 30 October Il bravo (8 p.m.) Wed 31 October Double Bill L’oracolo/Mala vita (8 p.m.) Closing Night – Sun 4 November Dinner at Eight (8 p.m.)

THE TALBOT HOTEL ‘NIGHT AT THE OPERA PACKAGE’ FROM €295 PPS 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast with a 4 Course Gourmet Meal in the Oyster Lane Restaurant on one night of your choosing. To book please contact The Talbot Hotel Wexford directly on www.talbotwexford.ie or call +353 53 912 2566.

10 WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL CALENDAR Friday 19 October

Wednesday 24 October

Opening Ceremony

1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6)

3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale (page 3)

8 p.m. L’oracolo / Mala vita (page 2)

Post Opera Friends’ Party Saturday 20 October

10 a.m. Friends’ Welcome Reception*

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Il bravo (page 3)

Thursday 25 October

10.30 a.m. Dr Tom Walsh Lecture (page 5)

1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6)

2.15 p.m. Friends’ Lunch*

3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale (page 3)

3.30 p.m. Bernstein à la carte (page 4)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Dinner at Eight (page 2)

8 p.m. L’oracolo / Mala vita (page 2)

Sunday 21 October

Friday 26 October

1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6)

10 a.m. Meet the Creators: Conversation with composer and librettist of Dinner at Eight 11 a.m. Festival Service, St Iberius Church

12 p.m. Bernstein à la carte (page 4)

4 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

5 p.m. Il bravo (page 3)

Monday 22 October No performances Tuesday 23 October 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6) 3.30 p.m. La fanciulla del West (page 4)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Dinner at Eight (page 2)

3.30 p.m. La fanciulla del West (page 4)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Dinner at Eight (page 2)

8.30 p.m. Play: Holy Mary (page 6) Post Opera Friends’ Party* Saturday 27 October

10 a.m. Friends’ Welcome Reception*

11 a.m. Piano Recital (page 7)

1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6) 3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale (page 3)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Il bravo (page 3)

8.30 p.m. Play: Holy Mary (page 6)

*Available to Friends only. See page 20 for details.

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

Sunday 28 October

Friday 2 November

11 a.m. Festival Mass, Bride Street Church

1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6)

11 a.m. Bernstein à la carte (page 4)

3.30 p.m. La fanciulla del West (page 4)

2 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

3 p.m. L’oracolo / Mala vita (page 2)

8 p.m. Il bravo (page 3)

8.30 p.m. Gala Concert (page 7) Monday 29 October No performances Tuesday 30 October 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6) 2.15 p.m. Friends’ Lunch 3.30 p.m. La fanciulla del West (page 4)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Il bravo (page 3)

Wednesday 31 October 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6) 3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale (page 3)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. L’oracolo / Mala vita (page 2)

8.30 p.m. Play: Holy Mary (page 6) Post Opera Friends’ Party* Saturday 3 November

10 a.m. Friends’ Welcome Reception*

12 p.m. Recital – Rachel Kelly (page 8) 3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale (page 3)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. L’oracolo / Mala vita (page 2)

8.30 p.m. Play: Holy Mary (page 6) Sunday 4 November

3 p.m. Chorus & Orchestra Concert (page 8)

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Dinner at Eight (page 2)

Thursday 1 November 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime Recital (page 6) 3.30 p.m. Bernstein à la carte (page 4) 5.15 p.m. Friends’ Buffet*

7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk

8 p.m. Dinner at Eight (page 2)

*Available to Friends only. See page 20 for details.

TRAVELLING TO WEXFORD For instructions on travelling to Wexford via plane, train, automobile or ferry, you’ll find helpful information our website: wexfordopera.com/visit/directions-transport/

12 WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

GREAT PLACES TO STAY

Ferrycarrig Hotel

Clayton Whites Hotel

Talbot Hotel Wexford

Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort Hotel

Talbot Suites at Stonebridge

Artramon House

Monart

Marlfield House Hotel

Riverbank Hotel

Maldron Hotel

Killiane Castle Country House & Farm

Rathaspeck Manor

(Preferred Hotel)

(053) 912 0999 ferrycarrighotel.ie

(053) 912 2566 talbotsuites.ie

(053) 912 3611 riverbankhousehotel.com

(053) 912 2311 claytonwhiteshotel.com

(053) 915 9395 artramon-farm.com

(053) 917 2000 maldronhotelwexford.com

(053) 912 2566 talbotwexford.ie

(053) 923 8999 monart.ie

(053) 915 8885 killianecastle.com

(053) 913 2114 kellys.ie

(053) 942 1124 marlfieldhouse.com

(053) 914 1672 rathaspeckmanor.ie

PREFERRED DUBLIN HOTEL

Whitford House Hotel (053) 914 3444 whitfordhotelwexford.ie

Brandon House Hotel (051) 421 703 brandonhousehotel.ie

Kilmokea Country Manor (051) 388 109 kilmokea.com

The Merrion

(01) 603 0600 merrionhotel.com

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

GREAT PLACES TO STAY

St. George Guesthouse

(053) 914 3474 Upper Georges Street, Wexford

Faythe Guesthouse (053) 912 2249 faytheguesthouse.com

Coast Rosslare Strand

Coast Kilmore Quay

Terrace Restaurant, Clayton Whites Hotel

Reeds Restaurant, Ferrycarrig Hotel

(053) 913 2010 coastrosslarestrand.com

(053) 914 8641 coastkilmorequay.com

GREAT PLACES TO EAT

Greenacres

(053) 912 2975 greenacres.ie

Thomas Moore Tavern (053) 917 4688 thomasmooretavern.com

(053) 912 2311 claytonwhiteshotel.com/diningoptions/terrace-restaurant/

(053) 912 0999 ferrycarrighotel.ie

Oyster Lane Restaurant, Talbot Hotel Wexford

La Marine Bistro, Kelly’s Resort Hotel

The Duck Restaurant, Marlfield House Hotel

The Restaurant at Monart

Westgate Design

Whitford House Hotel

Cístín Eile

Simon Lambert & Sons

(053) 912 2566 talbotwexford.ie/Oyster-LaneRestaurant.html

(053) 912 3787 westgatedesign.ie

(053) 913 2114 kellys.ie/la-marine-bistro.html

(053) 914 3444 whitfordhotelwexford.ie

(053) 942 1124 marlfieldhouse.com

(053) 912 1616 80 South Main Street

(053) 923 8999 monart.ie/dining

(053) 918 0041 simonlambertandsons.ie

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GREAT PLACES TO EAT

GREAT PLACES TO SHOP

Mi Asian Streetfood

Diana Donnelly

(053) 919 8677 mistreetfood.ie

Charred

(053) 912 2928 1 Selskar Street, Wexford

(053) 912 2175 | 48 The Bull Ring, Wexford

GREAT PLACES TO VISIT

The Lobster Pot

(053) 913 1110 lobsterpotwexford.com

The Yard

(053) 914 4083 theyard.ie

Hook Lighthouse

Wexford Lavender Farm

The Blue Egg Gallery

Johnstown Castle, Estate, Museum & Gardens

(051) 397 055 hookheritage.ie

Coolnagloose, Inch, Gorey wexfordlavenderfarm.com

The Gallery, Brandon House Hotel

Mary Barry’s

(053) 913 5982 marybarrys.ie

Bravura 2018 at the Blue Egg Gallery. Running 13 October to 4 November 2018 (053) 914 5862 blueegggallery.ie

The Red Kettle

The Vine

National Opera House Tours Kilmokea Gardens

(051) 421 703 brandonhousehotel.ie

(085) 249 7340 19 Mallin St, Ferrybank South

(053) 912 2388 www.vinerestaurant.ie/

(053) 912 2144 nationaloperahouse.ie

(053) 918 4671 www.johnstowncastle.ie

(051) 388 109 kilmokea.com

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

GREAT PLACES TO SHOP

Westgate Design (053) 912 3787 westgatedesign.ie

Shoestyle

(053) 912 4536 shoestyleinternational.com

Corcorans Menswear (053) 912 2687 corcoransmenswear.ie

Charles Pierce Menswear (053) 912 2792 charlespiercemenswear.com

PREFERRED DUBLIN SHOP

Greenacres Fine Food Store 2a South

Frock

Boodles

Panache

Ceadogán Rugs

Murphy’s Jewellers

Sherwood’s Pharmacy

Selskar Pharmacy

Alison J. Murphy Optometrist

(053) 912 2975 greenacres.ie

(053) 917 4064 2/2a Main Street, Wexford

Essee Boutique

The Silk Connection

(053) 912 1488 72 North Main Street

(086) 338 7905 Kilmore Quay

(053) 912 2939 42 South Main Street

(053) 912 2875 mccabespharmacy.com

(053) 915 2087 2 Selskar Street

(051) 561 349 ceadogan.ie

(053) 918 5171 28 Selskar Street

(01) 679 0203 71 Grafton St, Dublin 2 boodles.com

(053) 914 6077 4 Slaney St, Ferrybank South

(053) 914 2662 ajmoptometrist.com

16 WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

PHOTO © CLIVE BARDA/ARENAPAL

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BY PHONE

+353 53 912 2144 or 1850 4 OPERA

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Payment may be made by credit or debit card or cheque. Cash payments may only be made in person.

IN PERSON

Festival Box Office, The National Opera House, High Street, Wexford Box Office opening hours • to 15 October: Monday–Saturday, 9.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. • 16–18 October: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. • 19–20 October: 9 a.m. – 8.30 p.m. • 21–22 October: 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. • 23–25 October: 9 a.m. – 8.30 p.m. • 26–28 October: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. • 29 October: 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. • 30 October–1 November: 9 a.m. – 8.30 p.m. • 2–3 November: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. • 4 November: 9 a.m. – 8.30 p.m.

POST

If you choose to have your tickets posted to you, they will arrive at least six weeks before the event. A fee of €1.00 to post.

TICKET COLLECTION

If you choose to collect your tickets for events outside of the National Opera House, they may be collected from the Box Office up to two hours before the performance.

BOOKING FEES

A booking fee of €1.50 per transaction applies to all credit and debit card transactions.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

Receive exclusive Festival offers and updates by joining our mailing list online at Wexfordopera.com/media/subscribe-toour-newsletter and by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

DON’T BE LATE

Please arrive at the venue at least thirty minutes before the performance and allow ample time for traffic and parking delays. Latecomers cannot be admitted once the performance has commenced.

REFUNDS

Wexford Festival Opera has a ‘no refund’ and ‘no exchange’ policy on all tickets purchased. Friends of Wexford Festival Opera who book tickets during the Friends’ Priority Booking period have a limited exchange and refund facility.

SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

For information on our special access requirements, visit Wexfordopera.com/programme/how-to-book/.

WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

PLEASE NOTE

The Management reserves the right to refuse admission and to change or cancel the advertised programme or artists.

DRESS CODE

In keeping with Wexford Festival Opera tradition, evening dress is strongly recommended for the evening opera performances.

BOOKING DATES

Tickets are available in three price bands over the Festival. Prices are based on the most requested Festival dates. Price Band A

Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24, Thursday 25, Tuesday 30, Wednesday 31 October; Thursday 1 November

Price Band B

Friday 19, Saturday 20, Sunday 21, Friday 26, Saturday 27, Sunday 28 October; Friday 2, Saturday 3, Sunday 4 November

Price Band C

Gala Concert: Sunday 28 October

PRICING Floor Level

Seating Area

Dates & Prices Price Band A 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 Oct; 1, Nov

Price Band C Price Band B Gala Concert 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, Oct; 2, 3,4 Nov 28 Oct

 Circle

Rows A–B

€145

€75

 Circle

Rows C–G

€100

€125

€65

 Circle

Row H

€95

€115

€65

 Circle Side Stalls

I 12–18, J 1–7 I 19–22, J 8–11

€50 €35

€65 €65

 Circle Boxes (4 seats)*

Boxes A,B,D,E Boxes C, F

€25 €20

€50 €50

 Founders’ Circle

A3–A26 A1, A2, A27, A28 Rows B–C

€150 €145 €150

€80 €75 €80

 Founders’ Circle

Side Stalls

€135

€80

 Founders’ Circle (4 seats)*

Boxes A,B,D,E Boxes C,F

€50 €25

€50 €50

 Main Stalls

Rows A–B Rows C–P

€100 €110

€120 €130

€70 €70

 Side Stalls

1–6, 13–18 7–12, 19–24

€110 €100

€130 €120

€70 €70

*Restricted view, prices per seat

PLEASE NOTE

In keeping with Wexford Festival Opera tradition, evening dress is strongly recommended for the evening opera performances.

18 WEXFORDOPERA.COM / 2018 FESTIVAL

O’REILLY THEATRE, NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 H 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 1 12 21 G 13 11 10 14 G 9 15 16 17 6 7 8 18 5 19 20 4 2 3 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 F F 1 7 8 9 18 19 5 6 20 21 3 4 22 2 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 23 E 8 1 19 20 E 6 7 21 4 5 22 3 12 13 14 15 16 17 23 2 8 9 10 11 18 19 24 D 7 1 6 D 20 21 4 5 22 3 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 2 10 11 24 22 9 1 23 8 C 25 C 24 7 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 25 6 10 11 20 21 5 26 4 8 9 27 22 7 3 23 28 6 24 29 2 5 25 1 30 4 26 3 27 2 28 1 29

BOX

B J

18 19 20

BOX

alls

O N 1 M

Side St

15 16

4 3

6 6

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 O

7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

BOX

2 3 4

talls

BOX

Side S

Boxes D, E & F seat 4 each

BOX

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 4 5 16 2 3 17 18 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 C 1 C 10 9 21 22 8 7 23 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 6 11 24 19 20 9 10 5 25 21 8 4 22 7 26 6 23 3 27 5 24 25 4 2 28 3 26 1 29 27 2 28 1 B 7

BOX

Boxes A, B & C seat 4 each

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 22 23 24 BOX L 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 23 24 25 K 7 19 2 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 J 8 20 3 15 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 I 4 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 10 9 8 9 7 6 21 5 21 22 23 3 4 BOX 24 H 5 17 H 1 2 10 22 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 G 1 2 3 4 24 25 G 6 11 23 12 13 11 10 14 9 16 8 15 7 17 18 19 20 21 7 19 4 5 6 22 23 24 12 F 1 2 3 F 24 8 20 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 3 4 5 6 23 24 AA AA 25 E E 1 2 9 21 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 3 4 5 6 22 23 24 22 D 1 2 D 10 12 13 11 14 16 15 10 17 9 18 8 7 19 20 6 Boxes 21 22 23 3 4 5 23 24 25 C 11 C 1 2 A, B & C 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 8 7 24 6 5 4 3 22 seat 4 23 24 B 1 2 B each 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 7 6 4 5 22 23 24 3 2 1 25 A A

L 1 2 3 4 K 1 2 3 4 J 1 2 3 4 I 1 2 3

Boxes D, E & F seat 4 each

STAGE

FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE

Founders’ CentreCircle

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

F G

447 47 8 48 S4E8 4489 48 49 C4T9 49 TI 5 5 IO5 0 0 O 50 N N0 51 51 D D 5 5

445 6

4445

446 7

443

454

465

476

443

454

39 41

3480

420

4319

432

421

4309

38 4308

397 38

SE C

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

40 41

41 42 43

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2

34 33

379

357

346

33 34

40 41

CT SE

20 25 21 26 22 27 23 28 24 29 25 30 26 31 27 32 28 33 29 34 30 35 36 37 38 39

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 C 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 G 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 D 35 36 37 38 39 40 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 H 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 E 24 J 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 F 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 SECTION C 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 30 31 32 G 26 27 28 29

313

324

31 30 29

SECTION B 23 24 25 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

95 59

I C1T

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

18 24 19 25 20 26 21 27 22 28 23 29 24 30 25 31 26 32 27 33 34 35 36 37

48 58

10 11 12 13 10 14 11 15 12 16 13 17 14 18 15 19 16 20 17 21 18 22 19 23 20 24 21 25 22 26

A E B F

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 16 12 17 13 18 14 19 15 20 16 21 17 22 18 23 19 24

346

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

8 15 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 16 11 17 12 18 13 19 14 20 15 21 16 22 17 23

368

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

386

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

73 84

62 73

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

62 26

25 25

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 16 12 17 13 18 14 19 15 20 16 21 17 22 18 23 19 24 20 25

3 3

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

2 2

STAGE

335

1 2

B D

CLAYTON WHITES HOTEL

410

STAGE

Boxes

432

Side Stalls

Wheelchairaccessible Seat

421

Boxes

WheelchairSide Stalls accessible Seat

4434

Row H

Boxes Side Stalls

Side Stalls

Row H Rows C–G

SideMain Stalls Stalls

Centre Side Stalls

Rows A–B Rows C–G

Stalls Main Stalls

Rows A–B

STALLS

CIRCLE

Circle

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BECOME A FRIEND OF WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA

STAY CLOSE TO THE HEART OF THE DRAMA Each year Wexford Festival Opera breathes new life into Hidden Gems of the Operatic Repertoire. This is only possible through the generous support of our closest Friends.

Each Friends’ level* is unique in providing direct support for a crucial artistic element of the Festival: • Ensemble Friends provide support for the Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra

Friends of Wexford Festival Opera enjoy a range of unique benefits including:

• Ensemble + Friends support the Creative Team; providing stunning backdrops/staging to the Operas and ShortWorks

• Advance Priority Booking for access to the best seats and preferred performance dates.

• Aria Friends nominate and sponsor a young singer for the ‘Aria Friends Artist Bursary’

• Complimentary tickets to Friends’ Parties, Lunches, and Buffet during the Festival with the option to purchase additional tickets.

• Cabaletta Friends contribute to a designated ShortWorks performance

• Invitations to exclusive Friends’ Recitals and ‘In Conversation’ events held annually in Dublin and London. • An option to join our annual European opera trip • Exclusive access – during the Festival – to: – The Friends’ Lounge in the National Opera House – Welcome Receptions

• Bravura Friends sponsor one mainstage opera production each year For further information or to join our Friends’ Programme contact Nuala Sheedy, Friends’ Membership Executive, on +353 53 916 3525 email: nuala@wexfordopera.com. Visit Wexfordopera.com/friends *Membership levels and benefits refer to our 2018 season.

• A complimentary Programme, Loyalty Card, Newsletter, CD, and lapel pin • Regular news updates throughout the year

THE NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE High Street, Wexford, Y35 FEP3, Ireland

patron Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland

Tel: +353 53 912 2400

president Sir David Davies

Box Office: +353 53 912 2144

chairman

Callsave: 1850 4 OPERA

rtistic director David Agler a hief executive David McLoughlin c

boxoffice@wexfordopera.com Wexfordopera.com

Ger Lawlor

Join the Conversation #WFO2018

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They say that if you want to escape time, listen to music. That’s why we say that RTÉ lyric fm is where life sounds better. And it’s true. Across the day, lyric provides a unique escape. And in the evenings, lyric provides true specialisation in the musical arts, across trad and world music, jazz, experimental and opera. But we also go further. The RTÉ lyric fm Outreach scheme takes music into the classrooms, while our Composer in Residence scheme gives budding composers real and powerful development opportunities.

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ALWAYS A STORY CHAPTER 2018

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES