Gluck’s popular opera Orfeo ed Euridice was the headline event over four evenings from June 1 – 5, 2022 at Lismore Castle, the heart of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. It is one of the most popular works by renowned composer Gluck, first performed in Vienna in 1762. This love story is based on the myth of Orpheus, a demigod with a talent for music. When his bride Euridice dies, he seeks her soul in the underworld. The opera was directed by David Bolger and conducted by Peter Whelan – one of the most sought-after young directors in the world.
Orfeo ed Euridice featured a fantastic cast, including rising star Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson, Meili Li, the first Chinese countertenor to have an international career, Irish lyric-coloratura soprano Aoife Gibney, who has performed leading roles on various stages in Europe, and rising stars from the BVOF Chorus. This year’s BVOF opera also featured new artistic collaborations with the acclaimed Irish Baroque Orchestra, and dancers from the award-winning CoisCéim Dance Theatre. This year we received an incredible 4,200 visitors, over seven festival days at 19 events including opera, concerts, recitals, education programmes and dining. Watch the latest video highlights on our YouTube channel, with in-depth looks at our 2022 concerts and recitals, visitor experiences and more this summer…
