REVIEWS FROM
PATRONS AND CRITICS
Irish Examiner
Orfeo ed Euridice was possibly the best ever opera seen at the festival... Kelli-Ann Masterson as Amor stole the scenes in a cheeky pantomime costume with top hat askew. As darkness descended in act 3, Eamon Fox’s dramatic lighting design came into play creating a magical sense of between-worlds in the most memorable production that I have seen at Lismore.
The Arts Desk
Gluck’s best-known number, “Che farò senza Euridice” became a riveting delivery of schizoid switches between soft-voiced tenderness and lacerating grief, complete with well-judged ornamentations.
Golden Plec
Gibney’s Euridice is febrile and impassioned, and her short appearance in the third act suddenly sets this drama alight. Her voice is richly expressive, scaled well for this production but clearly capable of more, and her presence also brings out a stronger performance from Li, their duet a superb moment.
Irish Times
The Chinese countertenor Meili Li makes his Irish and role debut as Orfeo with arresting vocal tone and striking presence, the sound on high and under pressure completely devoid of the sense of artifice of so many countertenor voices. The urgency and immediacy are counterparted by a skill in intimate, honed-down moments, delivered almost like asides.
An unforgettable evening that transported us into a different world.
Dromore Yard on the banks of the Blackwater. What a location! #BVOF2022
A stunning setting for the Irish Baroque Orchestra in Dromore Yard, as part of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.
Everything was so well organised from the friendly welcome and supervision of the car park to all the local helpers. It was great to see so many young people involved. Thank you for such a lovely convivial evening in an exceptional setting.
Terrific recital exploring connections between Irish art song and French melodie from Irish Songmakers as part of BVOF 2022. in Waterford Bravo tutti!
Fantastic time in Lismore as BVOF kicked off in style with an amazing performance of Orfeo ed Euridice. Over 400 patrons travelled to the beautiful setting in Lismore! A quality festival that holds its own in any company!
A magical weekend …Congratulations to everyone involved on a hugely successful festival.
My first time at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival…what a stunning location. Such clever staging. The Irish Baroque Orchestra sounded wonderful, as did the cast and BVOF Chorus. Particularly nice to see the Irish National Opera Studio alumna Kelli-Ann Masterson blow the audience away. Congrats to all on a wonderful start to the festival.
Fun to catch a snippet of the BVOF at the free open-air recital in Youghal. Singers did a charming job!
Incredible night at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in Lismore. Won’t forget the music, dance, singing, food, venue, and company for a very long time.
A cast of so many stars to light up the night – and stage.
An unbelievable reaction to this year’s school’s performance last night Bravi Tutti!
Absolutely fantastic set up! Very impressed!
It was simply stunning and very moving. We all loved it.
Orfeo Ed Euridice @BVOF thrilled to be invited to the stunning location of @LCA_Gallery an unforgettable evening that transported us into a different world
Congratulations to Blackwater Valley Opera Festival on their fantastic production of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, a truly beautiful show!
Congratulations to the company and crew of BVOF’s Orfeo Ed Euridice on a magnificent production. Stunning movement from CoisCéim Dance Theatre, impeccable singing especially star bar Kelli-Ann Masterson! and such stylish musical direction from Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra. Bravo!
Another lovely venue in Lismore Co. Waterford with Blackwater Valley Opera Festival A standing ovation for Phoebe White and Ellen Jansson at St Carthage’s Cathedral.
Absolutely magical evening at #BVOF2022 Wonderful performance, excellent crew, beautiful gardens. Just perfect!
Finally made it to BVOF for the first time, to see David Bolger’s intoxicating ORFEO ED EURIDICE in the equally intoxicating surroundings of Lismore Castle. The whole thing feels like a dream.
Absolutely stunning production. In the most beautiful setting of Lismore Castle.
Friday night was my first visit to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and I enjoyed it so much. What a wonderful performance; the principal singers were excellent especially the counter tenor Meili Li, such a beautiful sound and tender performance. I was very impressed with the choreography of the dancers and chorus.
