Cork Opera House announces three flagship events to mark major milestone 

As part of their 170-year anniversary celebrations, Cork Opera House has announced three flagship events to mark the major milestone.

The ‘Best of Cork Opera House Gala’ will be a black-tie evening of celebration, music, opera, comedy, theatre and dance that will take place on Saturday, March 22.

Tickets are on sale now for the event featuring a stellar line up of some of Ireland’s finest artists including musical theatre icons such as Killian Donnelly of West End fame, beloved Cork Soprano Majella Cullagh and other notable Cork artists who have contributed significantly to the success of Cork Opera House in recent years. 

The gala also includes current and past Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists — Niamh O’Sullivan, Rachel Croash and Emma Nash alongside the likes of Gary Beecher, Laoise Leahy and Michael Grennell, all supported by the Cork Opera House concert orchestra, conducted by John O’Brien. 

The gala will also feature a special performance by Panto heroes Frank Mackey (Nanny Nellie) and Trevor Ryan (Panto director).

Meanwhile ‘Send It Home’, is a memorabilia project which will see a large focus on public engagement through the collection and exhibition of artefacts and stories from Cork Opera House’s storied past.

This initiative is about reconnecting with the community and bringing home the lost stories and treasured memories of Cork Opera House. 

This unique public engagement project will invite the community to uncover and share historical artefacts and stories connected to Cork Opera House’s past.

From long-forgotten costumes to old programmes, posters, and keepsakes stored in attics and family collections, ‘Send it Home’ will catalogue and celebrate the deep cultural and historical ties between Cork Opera House and the people of Cork.

People will also be asked to submit stories and legends about Cork Opera House that have passed from generation to generation. 

Finally, ‘The Decades Project’ will see the commissioning of work from a diverse range of artists reflecting the 17 decades that Cork Opera House has entertained the people of Cork and beyond.

Commenting on this historical year for Cork Opera House, CEO and artistic director, Eibhlín Gleeson said:

“It’s humbling to reflect on the journey this iconic institution has taken over the past 170 years — creating moments of joy, and memories for families and friends. 

“We feel proud and lucky to be so loved and valued by the community around us.

“It’s very important that we take the time to celebrate our legacy — and in planning our celebrations, we have designed projects that highlight our contribution to life in Cork for 170 years, the brilliant artists and performers that surround us and the tens of millions of ticket buyers and attendees who have been welcomed through our doors throughout this time."