The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has revealed its exciting lineup for its 15th anniversary season.

This article focuses specifically on vocal performances.

Recitals & Mainstage Performances The festival kicks off with a special opening ceremony featuring festival artists and the Discover Singing Children’s Choir.

Performance Date: May 27, 2025 (Lismore Millennium Park)

Mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy and the Irish Baroque Orchestra present Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, with Nicholas McGegan OBE conducting.

Performance Dates: May 27 & 29, 2025 (St. Carthage’s Cathedral)

The winners of the 2025 Bursary Award, soprano Aimee Kearney and pianist Georgina Cassidy, will perform in a recital. The €25.00 bursary is generously funded by Conor and Mareta Doyle.

Performance Date: May 28, 2025 (Tourin House)

Next is Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Performance Dates: May 28, 30, 31, & June 1, 2025 (Lismore Castle)

“Arias at Villierstown” features countertenor Iestyn Morris, mezzo-sopranos Gemma Ní Bhriain and Sarah Richmond, tenor Seán Tester, baritone Chris Cull, and bass-baritones Jakob Mahase, Rory Dunne, and Massimo Modoni.

Performance Date: May 29, 2025 (Villierstown Church)

Shakespeare in Music will showcase songs inspired by Shakespeare’s works, with tenor Conor Prendiville, mezzo-soprano Sarah Richmond, and countertenor Iestyn Morris performing.

Performance Date: May 29, 2025 (Villierstown Church)

A lunchtime recital will feature a selection of classical and operatic pieces from the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.

Performance Date: May 30, 2025 (Walton Park, Dungarvan)

The winners of the Irish Heritage Bursary 2025, along with the runner-up, will perform in a concert, with support from Michael and Gianni Alen-Buckley.

Performance Date: May 30, 2025 (Salterbridge House)

BVOF | RIAM John Pollard 2025 Bursary winners, Savannah Hilterbrandt and Remi Ludick, will give a recital.

Performance Date: May 30, 2025 (Salterbridge House)

Another open-air lunchtime recital follows.

Performance Date: May 31, 2025 (Green Park, Youghal)

Soprano Amy Hewitt and baritone Rory Dunne will perform Michele Esposito’s Irish operetta The Tinker and the Fairy.

Performance Date: May 31, 2025 (St. Carthage’s Cathedral)

A unique performance blending poetry and music, honoring George Bernard Shaw, will feature mezzo-soprano Gemma Ní Bhriain, tenor Seán Tester, actor Barry McGovern, and pianist Máire Carroll.

Performance Date: May 31, 2025 (St. Carthage’s Cathedral)

The final open-air lunchtime recital will take place.

Performance Date: June 1, 2025 (Castlemartyr)

Mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan and pianist Gary Beecher will perform When Birds Do Sing.

Performance Date: June 1, 2025 (Dromore Yard)

Soprano Amy Ní Fhearraigh, tenor Peter O’Reilly, and pianist Frasier Hickland present Summertime, a program featuring arias, duets, and classical favorites evoking the essence of summer.

Performance Date: June 2, 2025 (Woodhouse Estate)

The Festival Finale Concert will feature mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas McGegan, performing a selection of Baroque masterpieces.

Performance Date: June 2, 2025 (Dromore Yard)

Lectures & Workshops Artistic Director Dieter Kaegi, along with the creative team, will discuss the planning and vision behind this year’s production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Performance Date: May 27, 2025 (Lismore Heritage Centre)