Wexford Festival Opera - A significant boost to the economy

WEXFORD OPERA FESTIVAL

A significant boost to the local economy

Randall Shannon, Executive Director of Wexford Festival Opera, tells Inside Wexford Business how this extraordinary international festival benefits Wexford and beyond

INSIDE WEXFORD BUSINESS | PAGE 10

Wexford Festival Opera runs from 21 October to 6 November 2022, bringing 80 events to audiences over 17 days.

The process of bringing it all together has not changed much since 1951. The starting point is that the Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi who is based in Italy, suggests the operas to produce. When these have been agreed, the artists are selected, consisting of principal singers, conductors, directors, and designers.

This year, artists from 12 countries will appear in Festival productions, which are often planned as co-productions with other companies. In 2022, the production of La Tempesta will also appear in Novara, Italy, and Armida will appear in Pilsen, in the Czech Republic.

ECONOMIC BENEFIT

Wexford Festival Opera is an important economic generator for the town, supporting a whole range of visitor services.

In 2019, a Fáilte Ireland study showed that a total of 20,000 tickets were sold. Over one-third (37%) of the audience was local, another third (35%) travelled from elsewhere in Ireland, and 29% came in from overseas. This year, tickets have been sold to 17 countries, with addresses throughout Europe and as far away as Australia, Israel, and North America.

This report also showed that 71% of overseas visitors stayed for three or more days. All stayed overnight in the Wexford area and 79% of domestic visitors also stayed for an average of two nights. A 2017 study estimated the average spend per person as:

locals, €198; domestic visitors, €560; and overseas visitors, €823.

In addition to the visiting audience, the Wexford Festival Opera company of over 200 personnel, consisting of principal singers, chorus, creative teams, orchestra, production and stage staff, stay in Wexford for up to seven weeks spending money in local hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

Wexford Festival Opera’s management is supported by an extraordinary team of volunteers, currently numbering 418. They provide a range of services in the theatre including front of house, cloakroom and bars and it is they who have made the Festival renowned for the friendliness of its welcome.

For 70 years, Wexford Festival Opera has been a valuable part of the corporate and cultural life of Wexford. It has built an enviable reputation as one of the world’s leading opera festivals and was awarded the title of ‘Best Festival’ at the 2017 International Opera Awards.

SUPPORT OF LOCAL BUSINESS

But the company’s life is challenging, reinventing itself each year with entirely new products. The Festival

receives generous support from The Arts Council, Wexford County Council, and Fáilte Ireland but, in addition to ticket sales, it needs to raise nearly €1 million from commercial sponsorship and philanthropic donations. The continuing support of local business is vital to ensure that we can continue to generate such a high level of local economic activity.

Randall Shannon, Executive Director, Wexford Festival Opera

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Wexford Festival Opera www.wexfordopera.com

Wexford Fringe Festival www.wexfordfringe.ie