Latest news with #BVOF
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Talented Carlow soprano wins prestigious emerging talent award
The €6,000 bursary was presented after a special performance at Kildare Village, held to celebrate one month to go until the 2025 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF), which takes place from May 27 to June 2 in Co Waterford. Eva is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) in Dublin, studying under Kathleen Tynan and Dearbhla Collins. Renowned for her versatile talent, Eva has already performed at prestigious venues across Ireland and has earned multiple accolades for her outstanding vocal ability. In 2024, Eva achieved significant success, including multiple awards at the Feis Ceoil, the Canto al Serchio Prize at the Birr Festival of Music, and the John McCormack Bursary. In January 2025, she performed the role of Rosina in Haydn's La vera costanza, and in February she participated in the Winterlied Academie Programme in Leipzig. Eva will perform as part of the 2025 Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, and will also act as a festival ambassador alongside fellow emerging artists. The bursary will support her continued studies and professional development, helping to advance her blossoming career as one of Ireland's most promising young sopranos. 'I'm thrilled to be the first recipient of this incredible new bursary,' said Eva. 'Thanks to the generous donor and to Kildare Village for funding the Brid Phelan Emerging Talent award, and to the ongoing support of Dieter Kaegi and all at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, I now have the opportunity to travel for auditions and professional training, attend summer schools and masterclasses, and perform at this year's festival – not once, but three times. "I'm also deeply grateful to my family, friends, and my tutors at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for all of their support,' she continued. 'This opportunity is a turning point in my development and will have a lasting impact on my future career.' This new award, to be presented annually from 2025 to 2029, forms part of BVOF's ongoing commitment to nurturing exceptional Irish operatic talent. It honours the legacy of Bríd Phelan and recognises promising young artists on the cusp of exciting careers. Winners are selected by Dieter Kaegi, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. The inaugural award presentation was marked by a performance from Eva Kavanagh at Kildare Village, together with Conor Prendeville, and Ella Nagy.
Irish Independent
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Festivals in Waterford: your guide to summer fun in the Deise
Whether it's dancing in the streets of Ireland's oldest city, listening to classical music while fine dining, or dressing up for the races, here are five summer carnivals to suit every taste in Waterford. International Festival of Time Waterford city is welcoming the return of the International Festival of Time, set to take place on Friday and Saturday, May 23 – 24. This globally celebrated event brings together master watchmakers, horology enthusiasts, collectors, and artisans for an unparalleled celebration of timekeeping excellence. The city is home to Ireland's only dedicated museum of watches and clocks, The Irish Museum of Time in the Viking Triangle, and is just a short distance from New Geneva, where Genevan watchmakers had decided to relocate their entire industry in 1784. The festival highlights for 2025 include Exhibitions of Rare and Exquisite Timepieces, which will showcase a breathtaking collection of handcrafted mechanical watches and antique timepieces. 'The International Festival of Time is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of cutting-edge horology while experiencing the vibrant culture and heritage of Waterford,' said a spokesperson. Tickets at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Black Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) is returning to Waterford from May 27– June 2 for its fifteenth anniversary. Ireland's summer opera festival offers a richly-curated programme of opera and classical music set in 12 historic homes and venues across the Blackwater Valley. 'Join us for a week of 23 special events including full-scale operas, intimate concerts, bespoke dining experiences and free open-air recitals,' said an organiser. 'This year's programme has something for everyone, from opera fans to new audiences, from families to foodies.' The festival has evolved from a 2010 pop-up event into a flagship festival for Waterford, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The festival celebrates opera, classical music events, and dining at venues including Lismore Castle and the semi-restored Dromore Yard. Highlights this year include Benjamin Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream on May 28, 30, 31 and June 1, for which there are limited tickets remaining. Lismore Castle will play host to conductor David Brophy and director Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, while Henry Purcell - Dido and Aeneas are on May 27 and 29 in St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, with Paula Murrihy, Dean Murphy, Kelli-Ann Masterson, the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Nicholas McGegan. The Dromore Yard hosts on Niamh O'Sullivan and Gary Beecher with When Birds Do Sing, on June 1 and on June 2 it is Paula Murrihy, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Nicholas McGegan. Recitals are from May 27 –June 2 in Salterbridge House, Tourin House, Villierstown Church, St Carthage's Cathedral, and Woodhouse Estate, with bespoke dining experiences at Lismore Castle. Final tickets are now on sale. Contact the box office at +353 87 407 9250 or visit Spraoi International Street Arts Festival Spraoi International Street Arts Festival transforms Waterford city from Friday to Sunday, August 1 - 3 into a giant stage where artists from around the world perform for free. The festival attracts audiences of all ages with an exciting programme of street performers, contemporary circus, music, dance, fireworks, and the Spraoi Festival Parade. This year is Spraoi Festival number 33, it began life under the wing of Red Kettle Theatre Company before flying on its own. The name was suggested by Dáithí Kimber. Since then thousands of performers have featured at Spraoi, audiences numbering hundreds of thousands have delighted in the magic, and Waterford is established as Ireland's street performance capital. See events at Tramore Horse Racing Festival The four-day August festival at Tramore Racecourse brings the seaside town alive, with racing each evening leaving days free to explore the coastline or Tramore's many bars and restaurants. Running from August 14-18, the Friday evening will be BBQ night at the racecourse, and on Saturday evening it's all about style as the winners of the lucrative best dressed competitions will be crowned. There is racing over the jumps on Thursday evening too and a final afternoon card of racing, again over jumps, on Sunday. Tickets at Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival Set in one of Waterford's most-loved seaside towns, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival brings together musicians from all over the world to celebrate their take on bluegrass or country music. Headliners last year included young US duo Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small, who hail from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia and singer songwriter Hank Wangford from the UK. The 30th renewal is set for August 22, 24 and 24, with the line-up of acts and events to be revealed soon at
