Engage your senses at the 2024 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in Waterford and Cork
Launching the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) which takes place from May 27 - June 3, 2024, mezzo-soprano and BVOF Bursary 2024 winner Anna-Helena Maclachlan performs at The Apartment, Kildare Village. Anna-Helena was accompanied by Aoife Moran on piano. Further information and tickets at blackwatervalleyopera.ie. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Paula Murrihy Irish Mezzo-soprano performing with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Peter Whelan at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in Aglish County Waterford last year. John D Kelly photography.
Acclaimed English Tenor Ian Bostridge and pianist Saskia Giorgini performing in the concert at the beautiful Dromore Yard, Aglish, County Waterford, as part of the Blackwater Valley Opera festival. Highlights of the festival last year include Verdi’s Macbeth with the Irish Baroque Orchestra at Lismore Castle. See blackwatervalleyopera.ie. Photo by John D Kelly
Nadége Rochat on Cello and Judith Jáuregui on Piano perform ‘A Poet’s Garden’ concert at Dromore Yard Aglish Co Waterford, part of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2023. Photo John D Kelly. See blackwatervalleyopera.ie for more information
Ireland's Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is inviting you to engage with your senses at the eight-day culture and food festival from May 27 to June 3 at Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan, and Castlemartyr.
With world-class performances, bespoke dining experiences and stunning historic venues opening their doors just for the festival, unique experiences are guaranteed, said a spokesperson. “This year's festival will feature an inspiring creative team, 100 international and Irish performers, 22 events, 11 venues, 5,000 visitors, and more than 75 hours of live music.”
The flagship opera at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) 2024 is Giulio Cesare by GF Handel, to be performed in the breathtaking grounds of Lismore Castle, Waterford.
With conductor Nicholas McGegan OBE leading the Irish Baroque Orchestra and a stellar cast directed by Tom Creed, this production promises to be a truly unmissable interpretation of Handel's masterpiece.
In addition, the BVOF 2024 Concert Series at Dromore Yard will feature incredible performances, including a bel canto operatic concert - Of Emperors, Kings, and Queens - starring Serenad Uyar, Leonardo Galeazzi, and Dearbhla Collins, along with the Clara Haskil Piano Competition Concert presented by Finghin Collins and featuring Magdalene Ho with Marc Coppey, and the festival finale Antonio Vivaldi Concert with the Irish Baroque Orchestra.
The BVOF 2024 Recital Programme returns to some incredible historic homes and venues throughout the Blackwater Valley, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Additionally, BVOF will support 10 artists and performers through Bursary Award Programmes valued at €40,000.
For food enthusiasts, there will be excellent dining options, including celebrity TV chef Eunice Power's Giulio Cesare menu at Lismore Castle. Guests can also indulge in Gourmet Table Picnics by award-winning culinary duo Eamo and Ró as well as lunchtime recital packages at local eateries.
The ever-popular pop-up programme of free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals return to Waterford and Cork, at locations in Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal and Castlemartyr. These free musical events are the perfect opportunity to experience classical and operatic music in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Making opera and classical accessible to all, 2,000 local school children and students will join educational outreach programmes in partnership with Music Generation Waterford, and a special Opera Dress Rehearsal for schools at Lismore Castle.
Additionally, a special performance from the Discover Singing education programme will be showcased at the Festival Launch later in May, featuring over 150 local school children in a vibrant choir, alongside members of the BVOF Chorus.
Eamonn Carroll, Festival Director of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, said, “We have a spectacular lineup of performances that showcase incredible talent from Ireland and abroad.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming new festival attendees and our supporters who return year after year. Our programme has something for everyone, whether you love opera and classical music or just want a unique live music experience.
“While opera and music is at the core, the festival is about creating unique experiences, through world-class performances in a host of stunning historic venues enhanced by beautiful dining and beverage experiences, showcasing the best of local produce. We look forward to bringing the South East to life with some outstanding performances over the eight-day festival.”
The Big Tickets (Opera)
Wednesday May 29 and Saturday June 1 - (Sold Out) - limited tickets for Friday, Mary 31 and Sunday, June 2. G.F. Handel - Giulio Cesare. Tickets €75 – €220 Lismore Castle Waterford
The Dromore Yard Concerts
Of Emperors, Kings, and Queens Thursday, on May 30. Clara Haskil Piano Competition Concert on Sunday, June 2. Antonio Vivaldi Concert Mon 3 June (Sold Out). Tickets €25-€60. Dromore Yard, Aglish, County Waterford
Recitals for Classical Music Lovers
From May 28 –June 2. Venues in Youghal, Lismore, Cappoquin, Villierstown, Stradbally. Tickets €25/ €10 concessions / limited free tickets
For Foodie Lovers
Giulio Cesare menu by Eunice Power – Friday, May 31 and Sunday June 2 (limited availability). Tickets €85. Lismore Castle Waterford. Gourmet Table Picnics by Eamo and Ró. Tickets €55 Lismore Castle and Dromore Yard Waterford
Lunchtime Recital Packages
Two Course Menu and Recital Tickets are €40 – The Saucy Hen Villierstown, Fullers Bistro Lismore, Barron's Coffee House Cappoquin.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is supported by grants from the Arts Council, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Leader, and Fáilte Ireland.
The festival’s lead sponsors are Kildare Village, Marsh, AIB, and the John Pollard Foundation. Event sponsors include Castlemartyr Resort and Waterford Whisky. Tickets for all events are selling fast with more than 80pc of opera tickets already sold out - call the BVOF Box Office on 087 407 9250.
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
This is Cork Newsletter
Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox.
