24 October – 4 November 2012
“ This annual Irish celebration of opera’s oddities continues to confound all typical safe season planning, yet it succeeds, and brilliantly…producing operatic rarities with love, featuring talented star-singers-on-theverge, and handsome, sensible productions.” — James Sohre, Opera Today
Edgardo Rocha and Lucia Cirillo (2011 production of Gianni di Parigi by Gaetano Donizetti). Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
Welcome to the 61st Wexford Festival But the musical performances are Treasure is found in the most unlikely places… Since 1951 one of the world’s most remarkable festivals has taken place in Wexford, a charming seaside town on Ireland’s southeast coast. The Wexford Festival prides itself on its commitment to reviving neglected operas and on introducing artists and audiences to forgotten masterpieces in magnificent and highly-acclaimed productions. In addition to the three mainstage evening opera productions there are performances of two daytime shortwork operas and a full programme of recitals and concerts for you to enjoy.
It hardly seems possible that this autumn marks the fifth anniversary of our ‘new’ Opera House. For all the nostalgia that might remain about the ‘old’ Theatre Royal, I suspect that all of us prefer the comfort of the Opera House and appreciate what it is possible to present on this new stage.
only part of the Wexford Festival experience. The warmth and intimacy of Wexford town and the remarkable camaraderie that is shared between the hundreds of local volunteers, performers, production teams and audiences quickens the pulse and creates a common heartbeat of expansive good feeling that brings people back to Wexford again and again. In our celebratory diamond anniversary season last year the internationally-renowned writer from County Wexford, Colm Tóibín, wrote ‘This season in Wexford – autumn light over wide estuary water – by some miracle, has over sixty years been a season of music’. Welcome to our sixty-first season, and welcome to Wexford! David Agler, Artistic Director
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 1
2012 Operas L’ARLESIANA (1897)
Francesco Cilèa (1866–1950)
24, 27, 30 October, 2 November / 20:00
Lyric drama in three acts to a libretto by Leopoldo Marenco after Alphonse Daudet First performed on 27 November 1897 at the Teatro Lirico di Milano, Milan Sung in Italian
Le Roi malgré lui (1887) Emmanuel Chabrier (1841–1894)
25, 31 October, 3 November / 20:00 28 October / 17:00
Opéra comique in three acts to a libretto by Emile de Najac and Paul Burani, revised by Jean Richepin, after A. and M. Ancelot First performed on 18 May 1887 at the Opéra-Comique, Paris Sung in French
A Village Romeo and Juliet (1907) Frederick Delius (1862–1934)
26, 29 October, 1, 4 November / 20:00
Lyric drama in six scenes to a libretto in English by the composer and Jelka Delius, after Gottfried Keller’s short story Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe First performed on 21 February 1907 at the Komische Oper, Berlin Sung in English
2 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Wexford Festival Opera WexForD Festival opera FrienDs isDear proudly supported by is prouDly supporteD by From the artistic Director
Grant-aided by the Arts Council
Festival supported by Fáilte Ireland
Lead Production Sponsor of L’Arlesiana
Print Media Sponsor & Production Sponsor of Le Roi malgré lui
Preferred Hotel Partner
Proudly Supporting Le Roi malgré lui
Official IT & Communications Partner
Proudly Supporting Le Roi malgré lui
Sponsors of the Festival Dress Rehearsals
National Broadcast Media Partner
Sponsors of the Lunchtime Recitals
Official Festival Partner
Italian Institute of Culture – Dublin Proudly Supporting L’Arlesiana
Sponsors of The Gala Concert
Youth Ticketing Sponsors
Official Airport Partner
Restaurant Partner
Restaurant Partner
Sponsors3 3 Book online at www.wexfordopera.com
L’ARLESIANA
Francesco Cilèa (1866–1950) Obsessed by a woman who is never seen, Federico ruins the lives of those he loves, as well as his own. Love pervades this story of a young man, Federico, and his family and friends in the countryside near Arles in the south of France. But this is no rural idyll, this is real life. The passions and emotions of Federico, his mother Rosa, Vivetta, who has always loved him, and Metifio, his rival in love, have a powerful universal resonance. Cilèa’s 1897 opera depicts the superstitions surrounding a handicapped child, Federico’s obsessive love for a mysterious woman, his jealousy of Metifio, his mother’s all-consuming love for him, and the shy Vivetta, who loves Federico and suffers agonies of misery over him. At the centre of it all is l’Arlesiana, the woman from Arles. She never appears but – unwittingly, perhaps – pulls the strings as they all dance to her tune.
Conductor
Written in the nineteenth century verismo tradition favoured by Mascagni, Leoncavallo and Puccini, which depicted the rawness of the everyday lives of ‘ordinary’ people, this is reality opera for the twenty-first century. It includes Cilèa’s best-known aria È la solita storia del pastore, the famous ‘Federico’s Lament’.
Marco
david angus Director
rosetta cucchi Set Designer
sarah bacon Costume Designer
claudia pernigotti Lighting Designer
simon corder Rosa Mamai
annunziata vestri Federico
dimitry golovnin Vivetta
mariangela sicilia Baldassarre
christopher robertson Metifio
quentin hayes andrew greenan L’Innocente
eleanor jean greenwood Production Sponsor
24, 27, 30 October, 2 November / 20:00 Photo Collage: Miles Linklater
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 5
LE ROI MALGRÉ LUI
6 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Emmanuel Chabrier (1841–1894) A man destined to be king makes hilarious attempts to escape his fate! Being king isn’t easy but it’s even harder when you are a dissolute French aristocrat sent by your domineering mother – Queen Catherine of Medici, no less – to rule over an unwelcoming foreign populace! Feeling exiled in Poland, Henri, our reluctant king, is consumed by nostalgia for all things French. The frigid weather, the dreary fashion, the drab palace – none of it is to his liking! As he attempts not to be crowned King of Poland the production takes a rapturous ride through all things French, from Louis XVI’s glittering royal court at Versailles to the long sultry summers of St Tropez and the sophisticated nightlife of Monte Carlo in the 1960s.
Conductor
Written in 1884, Le Roi malgré lui (‘The Reluctant King’) had an ill-starred stage history, but its lively and melodic musical score was a success from the outset and was greatly admired by Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky. With vocal fireworks, comedic cunning, an exuberant chorus and lively dances, all driven by a clever orchestral score, this production captures the essence of Chabrier’s satirically witty comic opera.
Minka
jean-luc tingaud Director
thaddeus strassberger Set Designer
kevin knight Costume Designer
mattie ulrich Lighting Designer
simon corder Henri de Valois
liam bonner Comte de Nangis
mathais vidal Le Duc de Fritelli
frédéric goncalvès mercedes arcuri Alexina
nathalie paulin Basile
thomas morris Supported by Peter Moores Foundation
Production Sponsor
25, 31 October, 3 November / 20:00 28 October / 17:00 Photo: Darren Cheshire
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 7
A Village Romeo and Juliet
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Frederick Delius (1862–1934) Love brings them together; feuding fathers keep them apart. Only tragedy will reunite them. Written between 1899 and 1901, A Village Romeo and Juliet was the fourth of Delius’s six operas and is generally regarded as his finest. Sali and Vreli, his Romeo and Juliet, have the misfortune to live in a small village community in Switzerland, the children of farmers who are at loggerheads over the ownership of a worthless piece of land that by rights should belong to a man known as the Dark Fiddler. Forbidden by their feuding fathers to marry each other, Sali and Vreli are forced to run away together. The Dark Fiddler tries to persuade them to join him and his friends and live together freely. They reject this lifestyle but their guilt at betraying their families leads them to choose a brief, glorious, moment of love, which culminates in their exultant acceptance of death. Delius’s passionate engagement with the story inspired him to compose rapturous, rhapsodic music that depicts the defencelessness and innocence of the lovers, their youthful idealism and the intense expression of their love. The opera includes the celebrated orchestral interlude, The Walk to the Paradise Garden.
26, 29 October, 1, 4 November / 20:00 Photo Collage: Miles Linklater
Conductor
rory macdonald Director
stephen medcalf Associate Director
rodula gaitanou Set & Costume Designer
jamie vartan
Lighting Designer
simon corder Sali
john bellemer Vreli
jessica muirhead Manz
quentin hayes Marti
andrew greenan The Dark Fiddler
david stout
This production is made possible
by a generous grant from
the Delius Trust
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 9
10 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Laurie Ashworth and Byron Jackson (2011 ShortWork production of The Telephone by Gian Carlo Menotti). Photo: Paula Malone Carty
SHORTWORKS The ShortWorks are informal daytime operatic productions (sung in English) with minimal sets and piano accompaniment. The very popular ShortWorks are a delightful afternoon entertainment and have introduced many people to the pleasures of opera. Tickets for the ShortWorks are also available as part of a Daytime Events Package. The Auditorium, Presentation Secondary School, Grogan’s Road Ticket €25
A Dinner Engagement by Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) 26, 31 October, 3 November / 15:30 28 October / 11:00 Lennox Berkeley’s first and most successful opera, the one-act comedy A Dinner Engagement, was written in 1954. It is the story of how a hard-up family try to solve their financial difficulties by arranging for their daughter Susan to marry the wealthy Prince Philippe of Monteblanco. The matchmaking parents
plan a grand dinner party to bring Susan and Philippe together, but are there too many cooks in the kitchen and what does Susan think of the idea? Director: Caitriona McLoughlin Designer: Kate Guinness
The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) 27, 29, 30 October 1, 2 November / 15:30 It was lack of money in real life that persuaded Mozart to try his hand at writing a Zauberoper (‘magic opera’), a popular style of Singspiel with audience-pleasing spectacular scenic effects. Mozart’s music for the pseudoOriental fairy tale, Lulu, or the Magic Flute, was an immediate success. Audiences then, as now, were captivated by the opera, by the fantastical characters on stage and by Mozart’s ravishing music. Poignantly, he died a few weeks after the first performance. Director: Roberto Recchia Designer: Kate Guinness Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 11
Concerts, Recitals
Lunchtime Recitals
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Carlos Nogueira (2011 Concert Schubert & Variations). Photo Š Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
& Lectures Lunchtime Recitals St Iberius Church
William V Wallace Recital
26, 27, 29, 30, 31 October / 13:05 1, 2, 3 November / 13:05
Songs and Piano Music from the William Vincent Wallace Album
Ticket €15
Jerome Hynes Theatre
The popular lunchtime recitals (approximately fifty minutes) will be given in St Iberius Church in the centre of Wexford. They are a unique opportunity to hear the Festival’s opera stars display their vocal talents in other types of repertoire. The artists and their performance dates will be announced at the beginning of the Festival.
Thursday 25 October / 15:30 Friday 2 November / 11:00
Una Hunt
Máire Flavin
Ticket €15 The programme includes Salon dances and Celtic fantasies for piano, and Canzonets on the four seasons for voice and piano, by William V Wallace. Una Hunt (Piano) and Máire Flavin (Mezzo-soprano) To celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of William Vincent Wallace (1812‑1865), the Waterford-born composer of Maritana (1845), pianist Una Hunt and mezzo-soprano Máire Flavin perform a programme of music from the William Vincent Wallace Album. This is a wonderfully ornate album of Wallace’s music published in New York in 1854, which is now in the collection of the National Library of Ireland. Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 13
Concerts, Recitals
14 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Alexej Gorlatch, Winner of the 2009 AXA Dublin International Piano Competition. Photo: Pat Redmond
& Lectures Morning Concerts
Gala Concert
Jerome Hynes Theatre
Wexford Opera House
27 October, 1 November / 11:00
Sunday 28 October / 22:00
Ticket €15
Ticket €50-60
Members of the Chorus and Orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera perform varied programmes of songs and chamber works, exploring the riches of this intimate repertory. Programme information will be announced at the beginning of the Festival.
The Gala Concert is one of the highlights of the Wexford Festival Opera diary and features a collection of favourite party pieces from members of the Festival company. Early booking is advised.
Late Night Concerts jerome Hynes Theatre 26 October, 2 November / 23:00 Ticket €15 Enjoy a post-opera musical treat without leaving the Opera House! Relax and unwind as members of the Festival Company serve a varied menu of musical nightcaps. Programme information will be announced at the beginning of the Festival.
Piano Recital
by the winner of 2012 Dublin International Piano Competition Wexford opera house Saturday 3 November / 11:00 Ticket €25 The final of the competition takes place on 15 May and the name of the winner will be announced on our website, www.wexfordopera.com. Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 15
Concerts, Recitals Orchestra Concert Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rowe Street Sunday 4 November / 15:30 Ticket €18 The Orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera, conducted by David Agler. Programme details will be announced on our website, www.wexfordopera.com.
Song of Summer is regarded as the finest of the biographical films Russell made for the BBC and is based on Eric Fenby’s 1936 memoir, Delius as I Knew Him, about the last years of Delius’s life, when the blind and paralysed composer was enabled to realise his compositions through the devoted dedication of his amanuensis Eric Fenby.
Dr Tom Walsh Lecture Jerome Hynes Theatre
Film – Song of Summer
Friday 26 October / 11:00
Jerome Hynes Theatre
Ticket €10
26, 29 October, 1, 4 November / 14:30
Dr Tom Walsh (1911-1988) was one of the founders of the Wexford Opera Festival (as it was then called) and its first Artistic Director, from 1951 to 1966. In 1950 he set up the Wexford Opera Study Circle and invited Sir Compton Mackenzie to give the inaugural address. Mackenzie suggested that they put on an opera themselves, and so an operatic legend was born. The Dr Tom Walsh Lecture
Free admission (booking essential) As part of the celebrations in 2012 of the 150th anniversary of Delius’s birth, Wexford Festival Opera is showing four screenings of Ken Russell’s 1968 biographical film Song of Summer at 14:30 on the days of the evening performances of Delius’s opera A Village Romeo and Juliet.
16 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
& Lectures is presented by Wexford Festival Opera to honour the memory of ‘Dr Tom’. This year’s lecture will be given by David Lloyd-Jones who is a conductor and also Chairman of The Delius Trust. He conducted operas at Wexford in 1967 - 1970. He was appointed Assistant Music Director at English National Opera in 1972 and in 1978 was invited by the Arts Council of Great Britain to found a full-time opera company in Leeds, Opera North, and became its Artistic Director. He has conducted a number of highlyacclaimed CD recordings of music by Delius and other British composers.
Pre-Opera Talks Jerome Hynes Theatre 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31 October 1, 2, 3, 4 Nov / 19:00 28 October / 16:00 Free admission Each evening there will be a talk of approximately thirty minutes’ duration about the opera that is to be performed, giving an opportunity to explore the work more closely. Talks have been given by a range of specialists, including academics, composers, directors and musicians.
We invite you to join us for a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the Jerome Hynes Theatre after the lecture. Kindly supported by Victoria Walsh-Hamer
Photo: Paddy Donovan
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 17
FESTIVAL CALENDAR Wednesday 24 October
Saturday 27 October
Opening Ceremony on the Quay 20:00 L’ARLESIANA
11:00 13:05 15:30 19:00 20:00
Morning Concert Lunchtime Recital The Magic Flute Pre-Opera Talk
L’ARLESIANA
Thursday 25 October
Sunday 28 October
15:30 19:00
William V Wallace Recital Pre-Opera Talk
11:00 16:00
A Dinner Engagement Pre-Opera Talk
20:00
LE ROI MALGRÉ LUI
17:00 22:00
LE ROI MALGRÉ LUI Gala Concert
Friday 26 October
Monday 29 October
11:00 13:05 14:30 15:30 19:00
13:05 14:30 15:30 19:00
Dr Tom Walsh Lecture Lunchtime Recital Film – Song of Summer A Dinner Engagement Pre-Opera Talk
A VILLAGE ROMEO AND JULIET 20:00 23:00
Late Night Concert
18 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
(bank holiday)
Lunchtime Recital Film – Song of Summer The Magic Flute Pre-Opera Talk
20:00 A VILLAGE ROMEO AND JULIET
61st Wexford Festival Opera Wednesday 24 October – Sunday 4 November 2012
Tuesday 30 October
Friday 2 November
13:05 15:30 19:00 20:00
11:00 13:05 15:30 19:00 20:00 23:00
Lunchtime Recital The Magic Flute Pre-Opera Talk
L’ARLESIANA
William V Wallace Recital Lunchtime Recital The Magic Flute Pre-Opera Talk
L’ARLESIANA Late Night Concert
Wednesday 31 October
Saturday 3 November
13:05 15:30 19:00
Lunchtime Recital A Dinner Engagement Pre-Opera Talk
20:00
LE ROI MALGRÉ LUI
11:00 13:05 15:30 19:00
Piano Recital Lunchtime Recital A Dinner Engagement Pre-Opera Talk
20:00
LE ROI MALGRÉ LUI
Thursday 1 November
Sunday 4 November
11:00 13:05 14:30 15:30 19:00
14:30 15:30 19:00
Morning Concert Lunchtime Recital Film – Song of Summer The Magic Flute Pre-Opera Talk
Film – Song of Summer Orchestra Concert Pre-Opera Talk
20:00 A VILLAGE ROMEO AND JULIET
20:00 A VILLAGE ROMEO AND JULIET Please note that our programmes may be subject to change. Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 19
“ Something I particularly enjoyed…was the lunchtime recitals and ShortWorks. There was a wonderful kind of gossipy, lively, younger vibe to the daytime events” — Alexandra Coghlan, New Statesman
Lunchtime Recitals
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2011 ShortWork production of Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini. Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
daytime events package A Taste of Opera 26 & 27 October, 29 October – 3 November Daytime Events Package – €55 Opera is all around us! From Hollywood movies, TV talent shows and ads, most people will recognise several operatic arias and duets, even if they can’t name them. But an aria on its own can’t fully convey the passion, emotion or excitement of seeing and hearing the whole story and all the music in a live performance on stage. If you would like to enter the world of opera our new Daytime Events Package is for you! This includes two Festival favourites: a lunchtime recital and a ShortWork opera, as well as lunch in Wexford Opera House. Come and discover an art form that has captivated Wexford locals and visitors alike for over sixty years. Arrive in Wexford, enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and explore the attractions of the eclectic Fringe Festival, featuring art exhibitions, antiques, music and drama.
Information on travel and on the arrangements for tea and coffee will be provided at the time of booking. • 13:05 – Take in fifty minutes of musical bliss at a Lunchtime Recital with one of the stars of the 2012 Festival • 14:00 – Enjoy a delicious threecourse lunch and the best views in Wexford at the Sky View Café in Wexford Opera House • 15:30 – Experience an afternoon ShortWork opera, a one-hour smallstage operatic production Please ensure that you check the ShortWorks performance schedule before booking. Individual lunchtime recital performers will be announced at the beginning of the Festival. For groups of fifteen or more the group organiser receives a complimentary €55 Daytime Events Package! Group bookings can be made only through the Box Office: +353 53 912 2144. Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 21
A SENSE OF OCCASION
20 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
More Details…
Discover the Repertoire
For full programme details visit www.wexfordopera.com, where you can book tickets for all Festival events and choose your preferred seating for evening opera performances. Sign up to receive regular email updates from Wexford Festival Opera, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on our Facebook page.
The Discover the Repertoire CD features background information on the composers and operas in the 2012 Festival and includes commentary and excerpts from the three main operas. It may be purchased for €7 from the Box Office, Wexford Opera House or online at www.wexfordopera.com.
Visit www.wexfordopera.com
A Sense of Occasion
Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
In keeping with Wexford Festival Opera tradition, the recommended evening dress code is black tie.
Sky View Café Located on the third floor of Wexford Opera House, the Sky View Café is open throughout the year and boasts panoramic views of Wexford Harbour. It offers a delicious menu for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea brought to you by the Ferrycarrig Hotel. Our helpful and friendly staff look forward to welcoming you during your visit to Wexford. For further information, menus and booking details please visit www.wexfordoperahouse.ie
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 23
A SENSE OF OCCASION
20 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
2011 production of La Cour de Célimène by Ambroise Thomas. Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
Special Lunchtime Recital Menu After each recital in St Iberius Church a special lunchtime recital menu is available in the Terrace Restaurant at Whites of Wexford from 14:00–15:30. A selection of main courses are available from €9.95 with complimentary tea or coffee.
Champagne and Canapés Treat yourself to a Champagne and Canapés interval reception in the Mackenzie Room at Wexford Opera House every performance night during the Festival. Tickets may be booked from 7 June online at www.wexfordopera.com and by telephone on +353 53 912 2144. Ticket €20
Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
Pre-Opera Suppers at Wexford Opera House Delicious pre-opera suppers are available every performance night during the Festival in the Mackenzie Room of Wexford Opera House. The three-course candle-lit table service will be provided by the Ferrycarrig Hotel, our preferred catering and hotel partner. Pre-opera suppers, priced at €40 per person, commence each evening at 18:00. On Sunday 28 October the supper will be served after the 17:00 performance. Reservations may be made directly with Ferrycarrig Hotel by telephone – call +353 53 915 3664 from 7 June.
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 25
BECOME A FRIEND Immerse yourself in the rare experience that is Wexford Festival Opera and join the Festival’s most dedicated group of supporters by becoming a Friend. As a Friend you will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits during the Festival as well as access to special events throughout the year. Friends of Wexford Festival Opera have played a significant part in the history of the Festival and are central to ensuring its future success. Friends’ Membership is available in a range of categories, or as a gift, and can be purchased online at www.wexfordopera.com.
24 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Rafał Bartmiński and Daria Masiero (2011 production of Maria by Roman Statkowski). Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
OF THE FESTIVAL Friends’ Membership – €225 • Priority booking for all Festival Events guaranteeing you access to the very best seats • Four invitations to Friends’ Parties and a Buffet during the Festival, including complimentary champagne reception • Invitations to the exclusive Friends’ Summer Concert and Lecture Series • Free subscription to the Friends’ Newsletter, Festival Programme and Discover the Repertoire CD • Access to Friends’ private hospitality facilities at Wexford Opera House • Recognition by name in the official Festival Programme For further information contact Lucy Durack, Development Assistant on +353 53 912 2400, Ext. 583 or by email: lucy@wexfordopera.com.
A number of enhanced Friends’ Membership categories are also available:
Young Friends’ Membership – €80 • For those under the age of 35 • Exclusive discounted tickets • Reception held during the Festival
Patrons – €400 Patrons’ Membership offers all of the same benefits as Friends’ Membership. The additional contribution supports ongoing and specific programme development projects.
Patrons’ Circle – €2,000 (five-year Membership)
Diamond Friends – €1,000 (includes a Seat Endowment at Wexford Opera House)
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 27
WEXFORD
10 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Photo : Paul Holmes
Wexford, a beautiful ancient coastal town, has been the proud home of Wexford Festival Opera since its beginnings in 1951. The Vikings invaded and settled in the area in the tenth century and the town was further developed by the invading Normans in 1169. Once a walled town, Wexford retains something of its medieval character, with many interesting narrow streets and laneways, and a long attractive quayside. Today it is truly cosmopolitan, with an eclectic variety of independent shops, craftspeople, hotels, gourmet restaurants and artisan food producers. Statue of a pikeman at the Bullring, Wexford, to commemorate the 1798 rebellion in Ireland. Created in 1905 by Oliver Sheppard (1865–1941).
From undulating countryside to rolling waves, County Wexford has it all. Rolling rich green fields blanket the peaceful idyll of rural Wexford and slope gently down to a golden coast where the soft sand is in a timeless dance with the Irish Sea. County Wexford has been a tourism mecca for Irish people for well over 130 years. The county’s towns and villages are busy contemporary centres where historical buildings nod knowingly at modern architecture, and locals and visitors alike enjoy the rich tapestry of life that is Wexford today. For further information on things to do in Wexford see www.visitwexford.ie
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 29
TRAVELLING TO WEXFORD Travel Photo : Patrick Browne
Sea – Wexford is situated close to Rosslare Europort.
Waterford Airport – A Fantastic Travel Partnership You can fly with Aer Lingus Regional from London Luton, London Southend and Manchester to Waterford Airport, which is just 70 km from Wexford town. Flights may be booked online at www.aerlingus.com. Visitors from Birmingham can book their flights to Waterford Airport through www.flybe.com. With a dedicated Wexford Festival Opera complimentary bus transfer available on arrival at Waterford Airport, your journey to Wexford could not be easier.
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Stena Line operates daily sailings between Rosslare Harbour and Fishguard (www.stenaline.com). Irish Ferries operates routes between Rosslare and Pembroke, and between Rosslare and Cherbourg (www.irishferries.com). Rail – Regular trains travel daily from Connolly and Pearse Stations in Dublin to Wexford (www.irishrail.ie). Bus – Wexford Bus operates a direct bus service between Dublin Airport and Wexford (www.wexfordbus.com). Bus Éireann operates regular bus services to Wexford (www.buseireann.ie). ROAD – Wexford is easily accessible from many main routes across Ireland. Detailed directions may be obtained from www.aaireland.ie.
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●Wexford Opera House ●Tourist Information ●Parking 5 6
Legend 1. St Iberius Church 2. Church of the Immaculate Conception (Rowe Street) 3. Greenacres 4. The Ferrycarrig Hotel 5. The Talbot Hotel 6. Kelly’s Resort Hotel 7. Whites of Wexford 8. Presentation School 27 Book online at www.wexfordopera.com
ACCOMMODATION The Ferrycarrig Hotel
For more information call reservations directly on +353 53 915 3623 E: reservations@ ferrycarrighotel.com W: www.ferrycarrighotel.ie
Whites of Wexford
For more information: T: +353 53 912 2311 E: info@whitesofwexford.ie W: www.whitesofwexford.ie
The Talbot Hotel
For more information: T: +353 53 912 2566 E: sales@talbothotel.ie W: www.talbotwexford.ie
Kelly’s Resort Hotel
For more information: T: +353 53 913 2114 E: info@kellys.ie W: www.kellys.ie
The nationally- and internationally-renowned 4-star Ferrycarrig Hotel boasts one of the most inspiring locations of any hotel in Wexford or Ireland, with sweeping views across the river Slaney. The hotel is the perfect location for your visit to the 2012 Festival. Our preferred hotel partner is the Ferrycarrig Hotel.
Whites of Wexford is a leading 4-star hotel, conveniently located in the centre of Wexford. Large parking facilities are available.
The 4-star Talbot Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Wexford Town. This is one of the finest hotels in Wexford boasting panoramic views of Wexford’s quay front.
The 4-star Kelly’s Resort Hotel is uniquely situated along five miles of safe sandy beach in Rosslare, Co. Wexford.
For further information on accommodation in Wexford and its surroundings visit: www.visitwexford.ie | www.discoverireland.ie | www.irelandhotels.com 32 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
BOOK YOUR TICKETS General Booking from 10:00 on Tuesday 5 June 2012. Tickets may be booked using the following methods: Online: www.wexfordopera.com E-mail: boxoffice@wexfordopera.com Telephone: +353 53 912 2144 / 1850 4 OPERA In person at Wexford Opera House Box Office We recommend that you book your tickets online as this is the best way to secure your preferred tickets. Refund / Return Policy Subject to availability, tickets may be exchanged for the same opera on an alternative date. The original ticket(s) must be with the Box Office at least 72 hours prior to the performance to qualify for an exchange. Tickets can only be accepted for resale if the performance is sold out. The original ticket(s) must be with the Box Office before we can begin the resale process. If your ticket(s) is resold, you will be refunded, less 15% administration fee.
Photo: Ross Kavanagh
Donations If you wish, you can make a contribution to Wexford Festival Foundation. Further information is available at www.wexfordopera.com. Special Needs For information on our special needs’ access, visit www.wexfordopera.com. Please Note The Management reserves the right to refuse admission and to change or cancel the advertised programme or artists. Latecomers cannot be admitted once the performance has commenced. Please allow sufficient time for traffic and parking delays.
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 33
OPERA TICKETS Booking Dates
Please note
Tickets are available in three price bands over the Festival. Prices are based on the most requested Festival dates.
Information on our Refund/ Return Policy may be found on page 33.
Price Band A
Wednesday 24 October – Sunday 28 October Friday 2 November – Sunday 4 November
Price Band B
Monday 29 October – Thursday 1 November
Price Band C
Gala Concert – Sunday 28 October
Pricing Floor Level
Seating Area
Dates & Prices Price Band A Price Band B Price Band C 24–28 Oct 29 Oct–1 Nov Gala 2–4 Nov 28 Oct
Circle
Rows A–B
€120
€90
€60
Circle
Rows C–G
€110
€80
€50
Circle
Row H*
€35
€35
€50
Circle
Side Stalls
€100
€70
€50
Circle
Boxes** (4 seats)
€75
€25
€50
Founders’ Circle
Centre
€130
€120
€60
Founders’ Circle
Side Stalls
€125
€110
€60
Founders’ Circle
Boxes** (6 seats)
€110
€80
€50
Stalls
Main Stalls
€120
€90
€50
Stalls
Side Stalls
€110
€85
€50
*Reserved during all opera performances exclusively for Young Friends of Wexford Festival Opera **Restricted view 34 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
Seating Plan
O’Reilly Theatre, Wexford Opera House 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8 7 17 6 18 5 19 4 3 20 2 21 1 22 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 8 7 18 6 19 5 20 4 21 3 22 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 9 10 11 23 8 18 19 1 7 6 20 21 5 4 22 3 12 13 14 15 16 23 2 17 18 9 10 11 8 24 7 19 1 6 20 5 21 4 22 3 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 2 21 10 11 24 22 9 1 23 8 25 24 7 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 25 6 11 10 20 5 26 9 21 4 8 27 22 7 3 23 28 6 24 5 25 4 26 3 27
H
G
8
7
6
H
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
5
4
3
2
1
2
G
F
F
E
E
D
D
C
B I
A
12
BOX
D
2
1
2
1
BOX
B J
A
1
19 20
B
21
A
22
BOX
BOX
E
F
Boxes D, E & F seat 6 each
13
P
14 15 16
N
2
3
4
5
O
1
2
3
4
1
2
M
1
3 2
4 3
5
7
6
5
7
6
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
7 8
9 8
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
2
N
M
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
BOX
9 10 11
1
P
O
8
7
6 5
4
8
7
6
1
B
6
3 4
BOX
BOX
A
C
J
A
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 22 23 24 L L 1 2 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 1 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 22 23 24 25 K K 1 2 3 7 19 2 14 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6 5 4 3 22 23 24 J 1 2 J 8 20 3 15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 4 5 6 7 8 22 23 24 I 1 2 3 25 I 4 16 12 13 11 10 14 9 16 8 15 9 7 17 18 19 20 21 6 21 5 4 22 23 24 H 5 17 H 1 2 3 10 22 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 4 5 6 7 8 22 23 24 6 18 G 1 2 3 25 G 11 23 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 7 6 5 7 19 4 3 22 23 24 F 12 F 1 2 24 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 20 7 6 5 4 22 23 24 3 2 AA AA 25 E E 1 9 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 8 7 6 5 4 21 22 23 3 2 10 24 D 22 D 1 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 7 6 5 4 22 23 11 3 23 2 24 25 1 C C 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 8 7 24 6 5 4 21 22 3 23 24 B 1 2 B 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8 7 6 5 4 22 23 3 2 24 25 1 17
BOX
5
A
alls Side St
D
4
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 C 1 C 9 10 21 8 22 7 23 6 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 24 10 9 20 5 25 21 8 4 22 7 26 6 23 3 27 5 24 25 4 2 28 3 26 1 29 27 2 28 1 B 8
7
6
5
4
3
2
17
BOX
A
3
18
I
BOX
2
Side Stall s
E
Boxes D, E & F seat 4 each
30
29
14 15
F
29
28
13
16
BOX
C
B
Boxes A, B & C seat 4 each
BOX
C
Boxes A, B & C seat 6 each
STAGE
Circle Circle
Founders’ Circle Founders’ Circle
Stalls Stalls
RowsRows A–BA–B
Centre Centre
Main Stalls Main Stalls
RowsRows C–GC–G
SideStalls Stalls Side
Side Stalls Side Stalls
Row Row H H
Boxes Boxes
Side Stalls
Side Stalls
Wheelchair Wheelchairaccessible Seat
accessible Seat
Boxes
Boxes
Book online at www.wexfordopera.com 35
wexford fringe festival
Photo: John Michael Murphy
Wexford Fringe Festival, now in its 60th year, is the largest annual fringe festival in the southeast of Ireland and runs concurrently with Wexford Festival Opera. Both Festivals transform Wexford into a vibrant centre for thirteen event-packed days and nights.
wall in Wexford. The Singing & Swinging Pubs’ contest involves most of Wexford’s many pubs and bars and provides a stage for talented local singers, instrumentalists and comedians…and sometimes even a visiting opera singer!
Catering for all ages and tastes, Wexford Fringe Festival is an opportunity to embrace a wide range of cultural experiences, including drama productions, historical tours, classical recitals, jazz, musicals, light opera, antique and second-hand book fairs, the Open Festival Golf Cup, the Wexford Races, and art and photography exhibitions squeezed into every nook, cranny and bare
Wexford Fringe Festival has become a vital showcase for Irish arts nationally and internationally, and with over 250 eclectic events all squeezed into a town with stunning scenery, top class accommodation and mouth-watering cuisine, this is a feast of artistic entertainment not to be missed.
36 Wexford Festival Opera 2012
For information and updates on the Wexford Fringe Festival, visit www.wexfordfringe.ie
Claudia Boyle (2011 production of La Cour de Célimène by Ambroise Thomas). Photo © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
General booking opens 5 June 2012
Wexford Opera House | High Street, Wexford, Ireland Tel: +353 53 912 2400 | Box Office: +353 53 912 2144 Callsave: 1850 4 OPERA boxoffice@wexfordopera.com www.wexfordopera.com
p atron Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland president Sir Anthony O’Reilly chairman Peter Scallan artistic director David Agler chief executive David McLoughlin
Editor: Sarah Burn | Design: Miles Linklater