Wexford Festival Opera Announces Operas For 60th Season

As is tradition, this year’s three mainstage productions are rarely produced operas, although two of the three composers are well-known within the opera world and to Wexford’s loyal audiences.  Commenting on his 7th season as Artistic Director of Wexford Festival Opera, David Agler said, “As is our custom, the season will contain three operas which, in our opinion, are neglected and need to be heard and seen.  First of the three operas is, ‘La cour de Célimene’, an opera-comique, by the composer of ‘Mignon’ and ‘Hamlet’, Ambroise Thomas; a work, immensely successful in its day, now fallen by the wayside.  We will also produce ‘Maria’, by the Polish composer Roman Statkowski, written in 1903. “This magnificent composition is strangely ignored even in his native Poland.  And in honour of our 60th season, we will make use of the most popular of Wexford’s composers, Gaetano Donizetti and produce his 1839 melodrama ‘Gianni di Parigi’.  This opera will be the 15th opera of Donizetti’s given at Wexford over the past six decades.  Audiences will also be glad to know that there will be shortwork productions, lunchtime recitals and concerts”. Mr. Agler  added, “While the continued economic climate of Ireland no doubt has to be considered when programming the festival, I am still heartened by the spirit of the Festival, now celebrating its 60th Season and formed at a time when Ireland was also at a financial disadvantage.  It didn’t stop the founders then and it won’t stop us now.  As a reminder and in commemoration of the community spirit that gave creation to this now World-famous festival, I am including a performance of the original speech given by Sir Compton  MacKenzie to the Wexford Opera Study Circle in November 1950, when he first encouraged the members to stage their own Opera productions in Wexford rather than just ‘study’ them.” Full details of performance dates, cast and daytime programme will be announced prior to the commencement of priority booking for Friends of Wexford Festival Opera on May, 3rd, 2011, with General Booking opening on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011. The 60th Wexford Festival Opera is grant aided by the Arts Council, Failte Ireland, and Wexford County & Borough Councils. Friday, October 21st – Saturday, November 5th, 2011* Priority Booking for Friends – Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 General Booking – Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 La cour de Célimene (1855) by Ambroise Thomas, a comic opera in two Acts. Sung in French. Performance dates to be announced later. Maria (1903) by Roman Statkowski, a tragic opera in three Acts. Sung in Polish. Performance dates to be announced later. Gianni di Parigi (1839) by Gaetano Donizetti, a melodrama in 2 Acts. Sung in Italian. Performance dates to be announced later. Gala Concert   – Wednesday, October 26th, 2011, 8pm ****No performances Monday, October 24th, Tuesday, October 25 & Tuesday, November 1.]]>