Wexford Festival Opera

The programme for the 2024 Wexford Festival Opera has been announced by Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi. Centring around the theme of Theatre within Theatre, the three mainstage operas have been revealed as Le Maschere (1901), by Pietro Mascagni; The Critic (1916), by Charles Villiers Stanford; Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali (1827), by Gaetano Donizetti

Le Maschere (1901), by Pietro Mascagni
Mascagni’s comic opera follows the tale of a commedia dell’arte troupe and their impresario. When it premiered in 1901, it was performed in 7 theatres at the same time on the same day. The opera will be conducted by WFO Principal Guest Conductor Francesco Cilluffo and directed by Stefano Ricci, former Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale.

The Critic (1916), by Charles Villiers Stanford
A modern premiere, The Critic is a satirical opera based on the 1779 play of the same name by Richard Sheridan and is set during the rehearsal of a new opera. The Critic will be conducted by Ciaran McAuley and directed by Conor Hanratty (who directed and designed the set for L’italiana in Algeri this year). 2024 will mark the 100th anniversary of Stanford’s death.

Le Convenienze ed Inconvenienze Teatrali (1827), by Gaetano Donizetti
Conducted by Danila Grassi and directed by Orpha Phelan (who directed Lalla Roukh in 2022 to much acclaim) this comic opera follows the story of a regional opera troupe rehearsing their production with their leading lady (played by a baritone!) behaving like a prima donna.

 

As well as two Pocket Operas, the Factory Opera and a Community Opera : Lady Gregory in America: Colm Tóibín and Alberto Caruso Man of Theatre: William Niall Morris’ Puccini Pagliacci: Ruggero Leoncavallo The Elixir of Love: Gaetano Donizetti Plus recitals, concerts, lectures and so much more!