Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF), Ireland’s Summer Opera, is returning for eight magical days from 29th May to 5th June with an impressive programme of 21 events at 12 stunning venues, with everything from big tickets to free tickets.
More than 4,500 visitors are expected to attend the world renowned, unique, and inclusive opera and classical music week, which is now in its 13th year. The festival attracts top talent and will welcome 103 international and Irish artists, present 65+ hours of music, and deliver education outreach to an estimated 2,500 local students.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has announced a ground-breaking new production of Verdi’s Macbeth, conducted by Killian Farrell, directed by Sarah Baxter and in artistic collaboration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, as the headline event at Lismore Castle Waterford on 31 May, 2, 3 and 4 June.
2023 concert highlights at the architecturally quirky Dromore Yard – a romantic, semi-restored 19th century farm yard on the banks of the River Blackwater – will feature English tenor Ian Bostridge accompanied by pianist Saskia Giorgini; cellist Nadège Rochat and pianist Judith Jáuregui; and Irish mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy along with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Peter Whelan will close out the festival on June Bank Holiday Monday.
The festival recital series will feature a variety of beautiful programmes in the magical surrounds of Woodhouse Estate, Salterbridge House, Tourin House St Carthage’s Cathedral, Villierstown Church, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, and Villierstown Church.
There will be four free open-air recitals delivering the magic of Ireland’s summer opera festival to Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan and Fermoy. These popular open air lunchtime recitals are available for local communities and must be booked in advance on the BVOF website to secure a seat.
The popular education outreach Discover Singing and Discover Opera programmes return for local national school children, in conjunction with Music Generation Waterford.
Dining and hospitality will again be a core part of this unique festival, with formal opera dining by well-known chef Eunice Power in the grounds of Lismore Castle, Gourmet Picnics by Eamo & Ró at Lismore Castle and Dromore Yard; a BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) option at Dromore Yard; and new lunchtime recital packages in partnership with selected local restaurants, supporting local suppliers.
To discover more about BVOF’s eight days of opera, classical music recitals and concerts, schools programme, free events, dining experiences and more, visit blackwatervalleyopera.ie.