Blackwater Valley Opera Festival – Our Story

 

History

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival – originally founded as Lismore Opera Festival in 2010 by Dieter Kaegi and Jennifer O’Connell – began as a small-scale festival in the historic town of Lismore, County Waterford. With a modest chorus and orchestra, it laid the foundation for what has grown into a flagship festival for the region.

In February 2018, the festival was relaunched under its current name, marking a new chapter of artistic ambition and regional impact.

Renowned for staging open-air opera and chamber concerts in the grounds of Lismore Castle, the festival now extends across a constellation of heritage venues along the River Blackwater – including Dromore Yard, Salterbridge House, Cappoquin House, Tourin House, and St Carthage’s Cathedral.

Renowned for opera in the grounds of Lismore Castle, the festival now extends across a network of heritage venues along the River Blackwater, with concerts and recitals at Dromore Yard, Salterbridge House, Ballynatray House, Tourin House, Villierstown Church, and St Carthage’s Cathedral.

In 2012, President Michael D. Higgins inaugurated the festival’s schools access programme, underlining its long-term commitment to education and community engagement.

Today, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading classical music events, attracting thousands of visitors each year and contributing to the cultural, economic, and tourism life of the South East, while playing a role in the renewed interest in opera in Ireland.

 

Development

  • 2010 – Festival founded as Lismore Opera Festival, with a focus on accessible, high-quality opera in intimate heritage settings.

  • 2012 – Launch of the schools access programme, reinforcing the festival’s long-term commitment to education and community involvement.

  • 2018 – Relaunched as Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, expanding its geographic reach, artistic ambition, and strategic partnerships.

  • Connection to Garsington Opera – From 2018, the festival established a creative collaboration with Garsington Opera UK. This partnership brought artistic expertise and production innovation, helping to raise the festival’s profile and enrich its programming. Highlights included performances by Garsington Opera soprano Alison Rose and Nevill Holt Opera baritone Tristan Hambleton, accompanied by pianist Simon Lepper.

  • 2019 – A significant milestone: the festival presented two operas and 15 performances for the first time, marking its most ambitious season to date.

  • 2020–2021 – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival reimagined its programming to deliver outdoor concerts for care home residents and free open-air recitals, becoming a national model for arts and health engagement.

  • 2022–present – Ongoing growth, with acclaimed productions, an expanded concert series, and a renewed investment in education, outreach, and regional collaboration.

Today, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is recognised as a leading light in Ireland’s classical music landscape and has grown into a flagship festival for the region, contributing significantly to cultural, economic, and tourism development across the South East.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival?
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is Ireland’s summer celebration of opera and classical music, held annually in Lismore, County Waterford. The festival presents world-class performances in historic venues along the River Blackwater, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, education outreach, and artistic excellence.

When is the festival held?
The festival takes place each year in late May and early June, offering a week-long programme of opera, concerts, education programmes, talks, and free community events.

What venues are used?
Signature venues include the Old Stable Yard at Lismore Castle (main opera stage), Dromore Yard for open-air concerts, and a range of historic homes and churches throughout the Blackwater Valley, including Salterbridge House, Cappoquin House, Tourin House, Villierstown Church, Woodhouse Estate, and St Carthage’s Cathedral. The festival also presents events in public parks and gardens in Lismore, Dungarvan, Youghal, and at Castlemartyr Resort, bringing live music into some of the most beautiful settings in the region.

How has the festival grown since 2010?
Since its beginnings as a small pop-up event, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has grown into a major cultural celebration. Its programming has expanded significantly, it has developed international collaborations – notably with Garsington Opera from 2018 – and it continues to champion a strong educational and community-focused mission.

What is the connection to Garsington Opera?
Since 2018, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has maintained a creative partnership with Garsington Opera, a leading UK festival. This collaboration has brought valuable artistic expertise and production insight, enriching the festival’s performances and strengthening its international reputation.

Is there an educational component?
Yes. The festival leads a comprehensive education programme that includes school partnerships and workshops, opera dress rehearsal for schools, and extensive bursary initiatives – all designed to inspire a lifelong appreciation of opera and classical music among young people and emerging Irish artists.

When is the 2026 festival?
The 2026 festival takes place from Monday 25 May to Monday 1 June.

What is the 2026 festival?
Mozart’s Don Giovanni will be the centrepiece production, staged in the grounds of Lismore Castle with a full Irish and international creative team.

How can I attend?
Tickets are available via the festival’s official website. The festival programme includes a mix of ticketed and free events, with accessible pricing designed to encourage broad and inclusive participation.

Can I support the festival or become a member?
Yes. Supporters can become members of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival through a range of Friends and Patron schemes, offering early access to tickets, exclusive event invitations, and behind-the-scenes insights. Membership helps sustain the festival’s artistic ambition, education programmes, and community outreach.

Donations, sponsorships, and legacy gifts are also welcome, supporting the long-term growth of Ireland’s summer opera festival across the Blackwater Valley. More details can be found on the festival website.