Tickets for Waterford's Blackwater Valley Opera Festival go on sale this month
Lismore Castle, home to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival
A week of music, fine dining, and breathtaking venues is coming to Waterford, as Blackwater Valley Opera Festival marks its 15th anniversary with the festival's Artistic Director, Dieter Kaegi’s, programme of opera, music, and cultural events set in the majestic Blackwater Valley.
Tickets for the festival will go on sale this month for the programme with the event scheduled to take place from May 26 to June 2.
Highlights this year will include Benjamin Britten's, 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', a comedy of errors, directed by Tony Award-winner Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and conducted by David Brophy, in the grounds of Lismore Castle.
'Dido and Aeneas' by Henry Purcell is also a must see, with mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas McGegan, performing at St Carthage’s Cathedral.
Concerts at Dromore Yard this year will include 'When Birds Do Sing', featuring mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, and 'Baroque Hits', which will act as the festival finale with Paula Murrihy and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas McGegan.
Twenty-three additional events are scheduled throughout the festival including, recitals and dining, taking place in 12 historic homes and venues.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) has evolved from a 2010 pop-up event into an established flagship festival for Waterford attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The festival celebrates opera, classical music events, and dining at stunning venues including Lismore Castle and the semi-restored Dromore Yard.
The impressive grounds of Lismore Castle in County Waterford is the festival’s home and The Old Stable provides a magical backdrop for bespoke opera production.
Another iconic setting for the festival includes Dromore Yard, a semi-restored 19th century farmyard building with sublime acoustics.
A spokesperson from the festival said: “Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is a leading light in the classical music and opera world in Ireland, and is designated as a flagship festival for Waterford, contributing significantly to the economic, tourism and cultural growth of the South East of Ireland."
“Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival joyfully engages audiences through a creative and imaginative programme of opera and classical music," added the spokesperson.
"We showcase emerging Irish talent alongside established international artists and delivering memorable and inspirational experiences that enrich the cultural life of the region."
Access to 2025 tickets will be available from January 25, and they will be available at blackwatervalleyopera.ie
