Latest news with #WexfordFestivalOpera
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford Festival Opera to hold public vote to decide on main production for 2026
Wexford Festival Opera is renowned worldwide for its commitment to staging rarely performed operas, and now for the first time in the festival's history, the public are invited to vote for which opera they would like to be part of the three main stage operas in 2026. Today, Rosetta unveiled the three opera titles which the audience can choose from, each being previously staged at the festival. The opera with the most public votes will be presented in a brand new main stage production in autumn 2026. The first option is L'equivoco stravagante, composed by Italian Gioachino Antonio Rossini and first performed in 1811 in Bologna, Italy. This opera was last staged at Wexford Opera Festival in 1968. The second option is Il barbiere di Siviglia, composed by Giovanni Paisiello in 1782, last preformed at Wexford Festival Opera in 1993. And the final option is Don Gregorio, composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1826. This opera was the most recently viewed one at Wexford Festival Opera in 2006. This is a unique and one-off opportunity for audiences to have their say on which of these three special operas deserves a spotlight in 2026. Award-winning director, Max Hoehn, will be tasked with delivering a new production of the winning opera, on the main stage, designed by Darko Petrovic. 'The 75th anniversary is an incredible milestone and a very special birthday for Wexford, and for our Wexford Festival Opera family all around the world,' said Rosetta 'For the first time in our history, we're giving opera lovers the chance to directly vote for an opera they wish to see. We're inviting everyone to be part of something truly special, whether you're a long-time Festival attendee or planning your first visit in 2026. The choice is yours! We can't wait to discover the final result.' The artistic vision for next year's festival, is to build a programme around the theme of, one for the head, one for the heart and one for fun, which has been at the core of the festival for nearly three quarters of a century. That phrase is believed to have originated from Wexford Festival Opera patrons and was noted in the Grove Dictionary of Opera. Voting is now open and will close at 5pm on August 22, 2025, with three ways to cast your vote. The public can do so online on Wexford Festival Opera's website, by sending their vote via post to the National Opera House or in person at the Opera House. All audience members who cast a vote will be entered into a draw to win tickets to the opening night of the winning performance. For more see
Irish Independent
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Two young musicians awarded bursary in memory of true stalwart of the Wexford stage
The bursary was established in 2023, a year following Betty's sad passing. The award was an apt way to honour Betty's memory given her long history in the musical societies of Wexford. Betty was extremely well-known for her work with the likes of Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) and Wexford Festival Opera, as well as volunteering experience stretching back to 1968 with the Wexford Festival Opera. Betty served as chairperson for Music for Wexford from 2007 until her passing in 2022. The bursary in her memory will go on to help classical guitarist Dean Glynn and Irish harpist Mollie Carroll, two exceptionally talented young artists from County Wexford. Dean Glynn began studying classical guitar at the age of 6 at the County Wexford School of Music under David Creevy. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying under Peter Katona. Dean's accolades include winning the Bach Guitar Prize at Feis Ceoil 2024, and being a finalist and prize-winner in the inaugural Maeve Broderick Prize for Strings, where he received awards for both Most Original Programme and Best Audience Engagement. He has also performed at ChamberFest Dublin and on the main stage of the National Opera House, and serves on the Music for Wexford Youth Committee. Mollie Carroll has played the Irish harp since the age of eight. Music has always been a central part of her life, and she uses the harp as a way to explore both tradition and innovation. While her heart lies in traditional Irish music, she loves fusing styles, experimenting with pop, rock, and classical genres to shape her sound. Mollie performs with the Wexford Harp Ensemble and is a member of CCÉ Gorey/Ballygarrett. The bursary audition panel consisted of Beth McNinch (Viola), Aisling Ennis (Harp), Caitriona Frost (Percussion), and Eamon Sweeney (Guitar). Speaking on the award, artistic director Beth McNinch said: "Both young musicians showed outstanding musical talent and connection with the audience in their auditions, and the panel felt that together they would provide a really interesting concert to close out our Summer Season." Music for Wexford believes it is vital to offer young musicians paid performance opportunities, which can be difficult to find outside of school or college. To address this, the organisation has dedicated its July programming to supporting emerging artists, with lunchtime concerts on July 2, 9, and 16 at 1 p.m. in St Iberius Church, featuring musicians from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Cork School of Music. ADVERTISEMENT These concerts promise a vibrant mix of wind, brass, piano, voice, and strings. In addition, all bursary applicants are invited to 'take over' Music for Wexford's Culture Night programming each year, curating and performing their own concerts. This initiative provides a unique and valuable learning experience for the next generation of performers. As part of their award, Dean and Mollie will perform a lunchtime concert on Wednesday, July 23 at 1 p.m. in St Iberius Church, Wexford, closing out Music for Wexford's summer season. Audiences can look forward to a refreshing blend of classical, traditional Irish, and contemporary arrangements. Tickets can be bought on the official Music for Wexford website.
North Wales Chronicle
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Music legend awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours
Ann Atkinson, the former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, discovered that she had been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. According to Ann, she was deeply touched to learn that she'd been nominated for the honour after serving the festival with distinction for two decades before stepping down two years ago. In her new honorary role as a vice-president, she's looking forward to this year's event at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20. Ann Atkinson (Image: EILEEN JACKSON) Her successor, royal composer Paul Mealor, paid tribute to Ann's 'immense contribution'. He said: 'Ann is a friendly force of nature and a legend of music and the arts in Wales. We are indebted to her for turning the festival into an event that has established itself as a highlight of the UK's cultural calendar. 'I will be forever grateful to Ann for the help and wise advice she has given to me after taking the helm, making the transition as smooth as possible. 'We are delighted her achievements have been recognised with the MBE – it is richly deserved'. It's the latest in a long line of accolades for Ann, who lives near Corwen, and has variously been described as a 'force of nature' and a 'legend of the classical music scene' in North Wales. A celebrated mezzo soprano in her own right, Ann has sung with many of Britain's leading opera companies, including Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Wexford Festival Opera. From 2002 to 2009 Ann was also Musical Director of the Fron Male Choir who found fame and became known as the "Oldest Boy Band in the World" releasing several albums which topped the classical charts for a record 16 weeks. Ann was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the 2009 National Eisteddfod in Bala and a year later was made an Honorary Fellow at Glyndŵr University. In 2011 she received the Welsh Livery Guild's Merit Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements to the world of music in Wales and beyond. She was once again recognized for her contribution to Welsh Music in 2019 when she received the prestigious Sir Geraint Evans Award from the Welsh Music Guild in Cardiff. Three years ago Ann received an honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of her contribution to music. Ann's not resting on her laurels though because she's still busy as the musical director of two male voice choirs, Côr Meibion Trelawnyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr and is a singing tutor to a host of young, up and coming soloists. But the arrival of the letter to inform her about the MBE prompted a feeling of momentary dread. She said: 'I saw this official looking letter and I thought I'd had a speeding fine or that I was being called to do jury service. 'When I opened it I was stuck on the first paragraph, I couldn't read any more. I couldn't believe it. I'm still pinching myself. It was a lovely surprise and a very great honour. 'When I became artistic director, the festival was facing many challenges and I believe we met all those challenges and left the festival on a more secure footing for the future. 'One of the things I am proudest of was developing the educational element of the festival, giving children a stake and being part of it. They are the performers and the audience of the future. 'They won't forget the experience of playing on the festival stage with professional musicians or coming to the festival to work on different projects. 'Among the biggest highlights for me was the 50th anniversary of the festival which was a major milestone. 'But after two decades, I felt that the time was right for me to step down and give an opportunity for new blood and fresh ideas. 'The fact that it was the festival that nominated me for this honour means a great deal. I am very grateful to them. 'I became a vice-president of the festival last year which means that I can continue to be involved. 'Paul was an inspired choice as the new artistic director and he's doing a fantastic job and putting his own stamp on the festival. He's ringing the changes but staying true to the core values of the festival.' Headliners this year include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, world class choral group Apollo5 and the renowned Black Dyke Band. Making her festival debut this year will be the acclaimed film and TV composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE. MOST READ Her theme tunes for Wolf Hall, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Judge John Deed and many others will be played by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. Another highlight this year will be the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that was launched last year and is being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by the festival's headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation. The final concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra under the baton of conductor Trystan Lewis. Also returning will be the festival fringe which Paul Mealor introduced as a new element last year to create closer links with the local community in St Asaph. The fringe events will include a cabaret and American song night, stand-up comedy, and a poetry night led by one of Wales's greatest poets, Mererid Hopwood, the current Archdruid of Wales.
Rhyl Journal
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Music legend awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours
Ann Atkinson, the former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, discovered that she had been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. According to Ann, she was deeply touched to learn that she'd been nominated for the honour after serving the festival with distinction for two decades before stepping down two years ago. In her new honorary role as a vice-president, she's looking forward to this year's event at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20. Ann Atkinson (Image: EILEEN JACKSON) Her successor, royal composer Paul Mealor, paid tribute to Ann's 'immense contribution'. He said: 'Ann is a friendly force of nature and a legend of music and the arts in Wales. We are indebted to her for turning the festival into an event that has established itself as a highlight of the UK's cultural calendar. 'I will be forever grateful to Ann for the help and wise advice she has given to me after taking the helm, making the transition as smooth as possible. 'We are delighted her achievements have been recognised with the MBE – it is richly deserved'. It's the latest in a long line of accolades for Ann, who lives near Corwen, and has variously been described as a 'force of nature' and a 'legend of the classical music scene' in North Wales. A celebrated mezzo soprano in her own right, Ann has sung with many of Britain's leading opera companies, including Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Wexford Festival Opera. From 2002 to 2009 Ann was also Musical Director of the Fron Male Choir who found fame and became known as the "Oldest Boy Band in the World" releasing several albums which topped the classical charts for a record 16 weeks. Ann was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the 2009 National Eisteddfod in Bala and a year later was made an Honorary Fellow at Glyndŵr University. In 2011 she received the Welsh Livery Guild's Merit Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements to the world of music in Wales and beyond. She was once again recognized for her contribution to Welsh Music in 2019 when she received the prestigious Sir Geraint Evans Award from the Welsh Music Guild in Cardiff. Three years ago Ann received an honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of her contribution to music. Ann's not resting on her laurels though because she's still busy as the musical director of two male voice choirs, Côr Meibion Trelawnyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr and is a singing tutor to a host of young, up and coming soloists. But the arrival of the letter to inform her about the MBE prompted a feeling of momentary dread. She said: 'I saw this official looking letter and I thought I'd had a speeding fine or that I was being called to do jury service. 'When I opened it I was stuck on the first paragraph, I couldn't read any more. I couldn't believe it. I'm still pinching myself. It was a lovely surprise and a very great honour. 'When I became artistic director, the festival was facing many challenges and I believe we met all those challenges and left the festival on a more secure footing for the future. 'One of the things I am proudest of was developing the educational element of the festival, giving children a stake and being part of it. They are the performers and the audience of the future. 'They won't forget the experience of playing on the festival stage with professional musicians or coming to the festival to work on different projects. 'Among the biggest highlights for me was the 50th anniversary of the festival which was a major milestone. 'But after two decades, I felt that the time was right for me to step down and give an opportunity for new blood and fresh ideas. 'The fact that it was the festival that nominated me for this honour means a great deal. I am very grateful to them. 'I became a vice-president of the festival last year which means that I can continue to be involved. 'Paul was an inspired choice as the new artistic director and he's doing a fantastic job and putting his own stamp on the festival. He's ringing the changes but staying true to the core values of the festival.' Headliners this year include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, world class choral group Apollo5 and the renowned Black Dyke Band. Making her festival debut this year will be the acclaimed film and TV composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE. MOST READ Her theme tunes for Wolf Hall, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Judge John Deed and many others will be played by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. Another highlight this year will be the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that was launched last year and is being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by the festival's headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation. The final concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra under the baton of conductor Trystan Lewis. Also returning will be the festival fringe which Paul Mealor introduced as a new element last year to create closer links with the local community in St Asaph. The fringe events will include a cabaret and American song night, stand-up comedy, and a poetry night led by one of Wales's greatest poets, Mererid Hopwood, the current Archdruid of Wales.
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Music legend awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours
Ann Atkinson, the former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, discovered that she had been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. According to Ann, she was deeply touched to learn that she'd been nominated for the honour after serving the festival with distinction for two decades before stepping down two years ago. In her new honorary role as a vice-president, she's looking forward to this year's event at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20. Ann Atkinson (Image: EILEEN JACKSON) Her successor, royal composer Paul Mealor, paid tribute to Ann's 'immense contribution'. He said: 'Ann is a friendly force of nature and a legend of music and the arts in Wales. We are indebted to her for turning the festival into an event that has established itself as a highlight of the UK's cultural calendar. 'I will be forever grateful to Ann for the help and wise advice she has given to me after taking the helm, making the transition as smooth as possible. 'We are delighted her achievements have been recognised with the MBE – it is richly deserved'. It's the latest in a long line of accolades for Ann, who lives near Corwen, and has variously been described as a 'force of nature' and a 'legend of the classical music scene' in North Wales. A celebrated mezzo soprano in her own right, Ann has sung with many of Britain's leading opera companies, including Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Wexford Festival Opera. From 2002 to 2009 Ann was also Musical Director of the Fron Male Choir who found fame and became known as the "Oldest Boy Band in the World" releasing several albums which topped the classical charts for a record 16 weeks. Ann was honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the 2009 National Eisteddfod in Bala and a year later was made an Honorary Fellow at Glyndŵr University. In 2011 she received the Welsh Livery Guild's Merit Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements to the world of music in Wales and beyond. She was once again recognized for her contribution to Welsh Music in 2019 when she received the prestigious Sir Geraint Evans Award from the Welsh Music Guild in Cardiff. Three years ago Ann received an honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of her contribution to music. Ann's not resting on her laurels though because she's still busy as the musical director of two male voice choirs, Côr Meibion Trelawnyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr and is a singing tutor to a host of young, up and coming soloists. But the arrival of the letter to inform her about the MBE prompted a feeling of momentary dread. She said: 'I saw this official looking letter and I thought I'd had a speeding fine or that I was being called to do jury service. 'When I opened it I was stuck on the first paragraph, I couldn't read any more. I couldn't believe it. I'm still pinching myself. It was a lovely surprise and a very great honour. 'When I became artistic director, the festival was facing many challenges and I believe we met all those challenges and left the festival on a more secure footing for the future. 'One of the things I am proudest of was developing the educational element of the festival, giving children a stake and being part of it. They are the performers and the audience of the future. 'They won't forget the experience of playing on the festival stage with professional musicians or coming to the festival to work on different projects. 'Among the biggest highlights for me was the 50th anniversary of the festival which was a major milestone. 'But after two decades, I felt that the time was right for me to step down and give an opportunity for new blood and fresh ideas. 'The fact that it was the festival that nominated me for this honour means a great deal. I am very grateful to them. 'I became a vice-president of the festival last year which means that I can continue to be involved. 'Paul was an inspired choice as the new artistic director and he's doing a fantastic job and putting his own stamp on the festival. He's ringing the changes but staying true to the core values of the festival.' Headliners this year include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, world class choral group Apollo5 and the renowned Black Dyke Band. Making her festival debut this year will be the acclaimed film and TV composer, Debbie Wiseman OBE. MOST READ Her theme tunes for Wolf Hall, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Judge John Deed and many others will be played by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. Another highlight this year will be the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition that was launched last year and is being funded by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust set up by the festival's headline sponsors, the Pendine Park care organisation. The final concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra under the baton of conductor Trystan Lewis. Also returning will be the festival fringe which Paul Mealor introduced as a new element last year to create closer links with the local community in St Asaph. The fringe events will include a cabaret and American song night, stand-up comedy, and a poetry night led by one of Wales's greatest poets, Mererid Hopwood, the current Archdruid of Wales.
