Opera in and near Waterford

Theatre Royal Waterford

On September 3, 1959 , the curtain rose on the first Waterford International Festival of Light Opera. In earlier times societies were, in the main, performing light operas, which explains the Festival’s title. Since then, this annual event has ... more

Opera is a magnificent form of art, combining the most dramatic and appealing aspects of music and theatre into moving productions that delight and inspire audiences. Ireland has a long tradition of producing top quality opera and there are large opera houses in all the major cities.

The country also has several world-class opera companies, and even a festival devoted to opera, making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in seeing classic and modern works performed by top singers and musicians.

One of the most beautiful opera houses in Ireland is undoubtedly Belfast's Grand Opera House, a Victorian masterpiece that was built in 1895. Despite being damaged by bombs twice in the 20th century, the theatre has been restored to its former glory and is a top venue to watch some spectacular opera and theatre productions. The interior is particularly beautiful and features a huge amphitheatre with a painted ceiling. The opera house had the honour of providing the stage for famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti's British début.

The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin was established in 1872, and is the city's oldest theatre and top venue for drama, music, and of course, some of the finest operas in the country. The theatre has a resident opera company, Opera Ireland, which has performed in the venue since the 1940's. The company has been joined in their performances by such opera stars as Placido Domingo and Kiri Te Kanawa, and has established itself as Ireland's premier national opera company. They stage four fantastic operas each year in the Gaiety Theatre, and occasionally also tour these productions both regionally and internationally.

An unique opera venue is located in a coach house belonging to the 18th century house of Castle Ward near Newcastle. Excellent opera productions are performed at the beautifully situated theatre each summer. The estate is located on the edge of the lovely Strangford Lough. A wonderful atmosphere is created at the annual opera performances, as the patrons dress formally and bring their own picnic supper or enjoy superb catered meals. Major operas such as La Traviata and La Boheme have been performed at the special venue by Castle Ward's professional opera company.

The top touring opera company in Ireland, based in Dublin, is the Opera Theatre Company, which has travelled to more than 100 cities, towns and villages in Ireland since its first production in 1986. The company really takes opera to the people, and performs wonderful works such Rossini's The Barber of Seville and Handel's Orlando in venues ranging from grand theatres to small community centres. They also promote innovative local productions, as they have commissioned and performed nine new operas by Irish composers. It's definitely worth checking their schedule to see exactly where they will be performing when you visit Ireland.

Another excellent opera company that is worth looking out for is the Drawing Room Opera Company, which combines the performances of top opera singers with fine cuisine, making for a wonderful evening out. The company entertains audiences in prestigious venues across the country, including luxurious hotels, castles and art galleries.

An enjoyable opera event is the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera, a competitive festival featuring works that have ranged from classic operas to Gilbert and Sullivan's comic works and even catchy Broadway musicals. The festival is held annually in Waterford's historic Theatre Royal. If you're an opera fan, you also won't want to miss the annual Wexford Festival Opera, a celebration of opera in the town of Wexford in South-Eastern Ireland. The festival has been running since the 1960s, and three operas are staged over three weeks, providing a real feast of this wonderful art form.