Blackwater Valley Opera Festival was delighted to welcome primary and secondary school students, alongside local community groups, to a special dress rehearsal of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Lismore Castle on Monday 25 May.
The annual initiative forms an important part of the festival’s education and community programme, giving audiences the opportunity to experience a full-scale opera production in a live performance setting. For many attending, it was their first opportunity to see a professional opera, orchestra and creative team at work.
Set within the unique surroundings of Lismore Castle, the dress rehearsal offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the final preparations before the opening night performance. Students and community groups were able to experience the music of Mozart, the work of the cast and orchestra, and the scale of a major festival production.
Creating opportunities for young people and local communities to engage with the arts remains a central part of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival’s mission. Through partnerships with schools and community organisations across the region, the festival continues to build connections with new audiences and encourage participation in live performance.
The dress rehearsal marked the beginning of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026, which runs from 26 May to 1 June, bringing together opera, concerts and recitals in historic venues across the Blackwater Valley.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival extends its thanks to the schools, teachers, community groups and volunteers who helped make the event possible and looks forward to welcoming audiences throughout the festival week.
📸 Frances Marshall BVOF2026
