Blackwater Valley Opera Festival recital arrives in Youghal for 2023

Reverend Andrew Orr, St Mary’s Collegiate Church with Wayne Ruxton, Tour Guide and Events Manager at Living Youghal, for the launch of the new Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Recital at St Mary’s Collegiate Church Youghal on Tuesday 30th May at 7pm. Book online at www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie or call the Box Office on 087-4079250. (Photo: Matt Brooker Photography)

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is committed to bringing opera and classical music to everyone with its accessible and imaginative programme of events. From May 29th to June 5th, 2023, local audiences can enjoy a choice of 21 events at 12 amazing venues across the stunning Blackwater Valley. 

St Mary’s Collegiate in Youghal, with a proud history of its own choral past, is hosting a new musical event at 7pm on Tuesday, 30th May, as part of this year’s festival. Artists from the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Chorus will step on stage for the first time at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal.

Some of Ireland’s most talented emerging voices will appear at this atmospheric and stunning venue, performing arias, duets, and ensembles from some of the world’s best-loved operas. 

Reverend Andrew Orr, of St Mary’s Collegiate Church, is thrilled to offer an inclusive programme of music for everyone to enjoy in Youghal. He says: “We are so proud to bring the joy of choral music and opera to everyone with an exciting new event this month.”

The 24-strong chorus will be performing at Lismore Castle for this year’s headline opera, Verdi’s Macbeth, alongside Irish and international performers, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Nestled within the protective arms of Youghal Town Walls in the Raleigh Quarter, this large medieval parish church can claim to be the oldest church in Ireland with continuous worship since the 13th century. Limited concession tickets for the recital event are available for senior citizens, full-time students, unwaged and disabled visitors.

St Mary’s Collegiate Church Recital – with artists from the BVOF Chorus
Tuesday, 30 May – 7.00pm – Tickets €25 / €10 concessions 
Full programme details and ticket bookings can be found on https://blackwatervalleyopera.ie/recital-performances/book-st-marys-collegiate-church-recital/

FREE tickets are also available for the BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recital which takes place at 12 Saturday 3 June 2023 at Youghal’s Green Park. The perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the classical and operatic repertoire highlights from Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Attendance is free of charge however pre-booking is essential and required in advance.

The BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals in Cork are kindly supported by Cork County Council. https://blackwatervalleyopera.ie/recital-performances/book-free-open-air-lunchtime-recital-youghal/

Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival will be alive with opera, concerts, recitals, and free events from 29 May – 05 June 2023. Experience Irish artists and international performers at the most stunning locations and beautiful venues in Waterford and Cork. With more than 4,500 visitors expected , experience classical music and opera performances– with 21 events at 12 venues over eight days.

The feature of this year’s festival will be four evening performances of the opera Macbeth, by Giuseppe Verdi, in the grounds of Lismore Castle, Waterford. www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie