Blackwater Opera festival returns to East Cork and Waterford

The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival will return to Cork and Waterford this summer for a week of opera, concerts, and culture.

The festival, now in its 16th year, takes place across the two counties and will feature more than 24 events and 100 performers — with shows in Castlemartyr, Lismore, Youghal, and Dungarvan.

Performances in Cork include two free open-air recitals at Green Park in Youghal on May 30 from 12pm, and at the Castlemartyr Resort on May 31 from 12pm.

Eamonn Carroll, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival director, said this year’s edition of the week-long event will bring “a uniquely vibrant festival atmosphere”.

Mr Carroll said: “As we celebrate our 16th festival, we are pleased to present a programme that reflects what Blackwater Valley Opera Festival does best; ambitious productions, exceptional performances, and artists of the highest calibre from Ireland and beyond.”

“Whether you’re a long-time opera lover or discovering the festival for the first time, there is something truly special to experience.

“At its core, the festival is about shared moments: Extraordinary music in historic settings, along carefully considered food and hospitality.

“This summer, the Blackwater Valley will once again be alive with music, culture, and a uniquely vibrant festival atmosphere.”

Mr Carroll added that organisers expect to welcome more than 5,000 visitors to the festival this year, with some performances already sold out, including the festival’s inaugural recital at Ballynatray House featuring Irish mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught.

A range of events are set to take place during the festival, including candlelight concerts and bespoke dining experiences.

However, opera remains central to the festival, with four performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni set to take place at Lismore Castle.

The production, with a predominantly Irish cast and featuring the Irish Baroque Orchestra, will be conducted by composer Peter Whelan and directed by Tom Creed.

This year’s concert programme will conclude with the return of Cork-born mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, whose international career has brought her to major concert halls worldwide, alongside pianist Gary Beecher.

The festival will take place from May 26 to June 1, with more information on the full line-up of performances and ticket prices available at www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie.