Ireland’s Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is inviting you to engage your senses at the 8-day festival which takes place from 27th May to 3rd June 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. 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 BVOF 2024 is Giulio Cesare by G.F. Handel, to be performed in the breath-taking 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. I
n 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; the Clara Haskil Piano Competition Concert presented by Finghin Collins, 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 & Ró as well as lunchtime recital packages at local eateries.
The ever-popular pop-up programme of free BVOF Open Air Lunchtime Recitals returns to Waterford and Cork (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 line-up 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 8-day festival.”
THE BIG TICKETS (OPERA)
Wednesday, 29th May (sold out); Friday, 31st May (limited tickets); Saturday, 1st June (sold out); Sunday, 2nd June (limited tickets) – G.F. Handel – Giulio Cesare – Tickets €75-€220 Lismore Castle Waterford.
THE DROMORE YARD CONCERTS
Thursday, 30th May – Of Emperors, Kings, and Queens; Sunday, 2nd June – Clara Haskil Piano Competition Concert; Monday, 3rd June (sold out) – Antonio Vivaldi Concert – Tickets €25-€60. Dromore Yard, Aglish, Co Waterford.
RECITALS FOR THE CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVERS
From 28th May – 2nd June, 2024 – venues in Youghal, Lismore, Cappoquin, Villierstown, Stradbally. Tickets €25 / €10 concessions / limited free tickets.
THE 2023 FREE SHOWS
28th and 31st May, 1st and 2nd June – BVOF Free Open-Air Lunchtime Recitals – Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan and Castlemartyr. Tickets free. Booking is essential to secure seating.
FOR THE FOODIE LOVERS
Giulio Cesare menu by Eunice Power – Friday, 31st May and Sunday, 2nd June (limited availability). Tickets €85. Lismore Castle Waterford.
Gourmet Table Picnics by Eamo & Ró. Tickets €55 Lismore Castle and Dromore Yard Waterford.
Lunchtime Recital Packages (2 course menu & recital ticket). Tickets €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 & 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 80% of opera tickets already sold out – call the BVOF Box Office on 087-4079250.
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.
