Events in October 2008
SNEGUROCHKA, The Snow Maiden
Based on ‘springtime fairy-tale’ and full of genuine Russian folk melodies, the music of Snegurochka has melted the hearts of audiences all over the world for more than a hundred years.
- Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov
- RIMSKY- KOSAKOV’S FAVOURITE OPERA
- (Sung in Russian with English Surtitles)
It has been winter for fifteen years because the Sun God is angry that Frost and Spring have had a daughter together: Snegurochka. Now on the verge of adulthood, she decides to escape the cold and lonely forest and join the world of the mortals. She is attracted by Lel’s seductive songs but is unable to express her feelings for him. Snegurochka’s friend Kupava is engaged to Mizgir, but when he sees Snegurochka he falls in love with her instead and breaks off the original engagement, leaving Kupava upset and angry at her betrayal. She seeks solace in the arms of Lel. Meanwhile Snegurochka begs her mother to grant her the capacity for human love and warmth. At a mass spring wedding, Snegurochka professes her love for Mizgir as a ray of sun strikes her and she melts away. The Sun God is appeased by her death and all celebrate the coming of spring.
THE MINES OF SULPHUR
A cast of low- lifes and a grim tale of murder, theft and amateur dramatics. The music is written in an exquisitely melancholy idiom.
- Richard Rodney Bennett
- OPERA THAT HURTS LIKE HELL…
- (Sung in English with English Surtitles)
The setting is a grand but decaying house in the West Country, where a gypsy who has been mistreated by the lord of the manor returns, with two accomplices, to take her revenge. He is duly murdered, but celebrations are cut short by the arrival of a troupe of actors seeking shelter for the night. They give a performance in exchange, although as the play progresses the subject matter tends too uncomfortably close to recent events for the liking of the three killers. Worse still, the actors discover the body of the owner of the house. A desperate plan is hatched: the gypsy and her two companions will lock the actors in the house, set fire to it and escape. Just as they are about to do so, however, it is revealed that the mysterious actors are carrying with them more than just their costumes and props…
TUTTI IN MASCHERA, Everyone in Disguise
If Opera singers are always talking about themselves, the same might be said of the works they perform: Tutti in maschera is an opera…..about opera!
- Carlo Pedrotti
- IN JOKES AND OUT-TAKES
- (Sung in Italian with English Surtitles)
In this updated telling of Pedrotti’s masterpiece, the action is set in Italy in the aftermath of the Second World War It’s a time when lots of theatrical artists are touring around the devastated countryside of Italy looking for work, hungry for glory and fame—or just plain hungry!—but things are looking up for one particular group of singers: a wealthy foreigner has come to Venice to recruit his own opera company. His criteria for casting the main female roles, however, comes under suspicion, and there’s another problem too: when the entire impoverished company is invited by the unscrupulous impresario to a masked ball at La Fenice (Venice’s famous opera house), how will they come up with the necessary sumptuous costumes?
Suor Angelica
Puccini’s personal favourite of the three pieces that make up his famous Trittico. This is the tragic story of Sister Angelica who has been confined to a convent for seven years in order to expiate the sin of an illicit liaison – but redemption for her is not in this life – Beautiful lush music with an all- female cast.
- Giacomo Puccini
- (Sung in Italian with English Surtitles)
Il Signor Bruschino
This hilarious opera exploits the predictable mix of voice-types, featuring young (and not so-young) lovers, implacable guardians and bad tempered fathers, all doing their best to become still more mixed as various cases of mistaken identity are played out against the familiar backdrop of an Italian country and nearby village.
- Gioachino Rossini
- (Sung in Italian with English Surtitles)
The Old Maid & the Thief
The first ever opera commissioned for radio is a light and apparently inconsequential satire on women’s innate ability to make reality suit their own needs: in his own words, ‘ woman can do that devil himself can’t do: make a thief of an honest man’
- Gian Carlo Menotti
- (Sung in English)
That’s as may be; Menotti’s little drama is in any case a bit more complicated, featuring a good deal of drinking, and intoxicating music to match.
Thomas Moore Recital
The first volume of Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies was published 200 years ago this year. In order to celebrate this key repertoire and its author – who is really nothing less than the bard of the island of Ireland (and whose mother was from Wexford)
This concert features many of the prize winners from the “Celtic Harp” singing competition held in the National Concert Hall in January. They will be performing a selection of Moore’s songs to piano accompaniment
And to heighten this celebration, an exhibition which boasts a series of interesting panels, along with audio and visual material, will be on display at Wexford Town Library from October 8th – October 29th. For full details please contact Wexford Town Library.
Carmina Burana
Orff’s Carmina Burana is one of the best-known and best-loved pieces in the orchestral choral repertoire, a collection of (as he put it) profane songs based on a thirteenth-century Bavarian manuscript. This will be performed in a rare arrangement with two pianos and percussion.
- Carl Orff
In a break with recent tradition, this fixture of the Wexford Festival Calendar will be repeated, with performances on 26th October and 2nd November.
Prague Chamber Choir
The Repertoire for the ever popular annual Prague Chamber Choir Recital has not yet been announced. Details will be posted to the website in the coming weeks.
Lunch Time Recitals
The traditional weekday lunchtime appointment remains one of the defining features of the Festival. Individual Festival singers will have the chance to shine in their own piano-accompanied solo numbers, performed (sometimes with the help of an instrument of their own) for a select audience in St. Iberius Church. Prepare for about fifty minutes of pre-prandial bliss.
The Gala Concert
The Gala Concert, a Festival favourite, will feature a collection of party pieces from the members of the Festival company. The lateness of the hour only contributes to the special atmosphere that always accompanies this unmissable event. We greatly appreciate the fact that artists waive their fees – all proceeds go towards the new Wexford Opera House.
Dr. Tom Walsh Lecture, The Building of Wexford Opera House
To coincide with the opening of Wexford Opera House, the Dr. Tom Walsh Lecture 2008 will be given by Architects, Ciarán McGahon of the Office of Public Works and Keith Williams of Keith Williams & Associates Architects. Jointly responsible for the new building, they will tell the story behind the redevelopment and show images and photographs of the building under construction.
The talk will examine the highs and lows of the construction process through to final completion. It promises unique insights into the creation of one of Ireland’s most important cultural buildings.
Please Note: Due to popular demand, an additional Dr. Tom Walsh lecture has been programmed for Sunday 19 Oct, 2pm, in the Jerome Hynes Theatre.
Friends Party
With champagne and Guinness, some finger-food and light entertainment, these post-opera parties are perfect occasions for you to mingle with the artists and to meet Friends new and old- also, for the twinkle-toed among you, to dance the night away! The parties begin immediately after opera performances. One party for two is included in the Friends’ membership, however Friends can purchase additional tickets for guests and more than one party.
Friends, for your two free tickets, please contact the box office, indicating your preference.
Telephone +353 53 912 2144.
Email boxoffice@wexfordopera.com
Guided Tour of Wexford Opera House
Guided Tour of Wexford Opera House. No prior arrangement required to accommodate Wheelchair Users. Family tickets accommodates 2 adults and 4 children. Minimum age is 10 years. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Booking closes 15 minutes before tour starts. No admission without a valid ticket. Tickets can be collected from the Box Office at Wexford Opera House.
