Latest news with #CorkOperaHouseConcertOrchestra
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Cork singer takes starring role on Opera House stage amid array of concerts celebrating its 170th
Corkman Today at 08:00 Cork Opera House continues to keep the people of Leeside and those further afield entertained as the venue unveils three shows as part of its 170th anniversary celebrations. Following a Gala Concert earlier this year and the launch of its Send It Home campaign to collect historic memorabilia, the venue continues to entertain. The first of the unique shows, Hänsel und Gretel, takes to the stage on Sunday, August 24. The classic opera will be performed by members of the Cara O'Sullivan Associate Artists programme. Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O'Sullivan (Hänsel) and Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson (Gretel) debut in the title roles of this fairy tale opera. They are joined by Rory Dunne, Bríd Ní Ghruagáin and Emma Nash and the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra conducted by Elaine Kelly. A night celebrating Cork and Irish traditional music swiftly follows on Wednesday, September 10, as a collaboration with Masters of Tradition, an internationally renowned Bantry-based festival. Martin Hayes is the Artistic Director and he is set to curate an evening full of music with several special guests, including Hayes' long-time collaborator, the acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Cormac McCarthy. The third instalment of this special 170th announcement will present a dazzling evening of music that pays tribute to Cork Opera House's rich jazz heritage. Swingin' & In Time – Jazz Giants at Cork Opera House Through the Decades - is a high-energy, glamorous celebration of jazz, featuring the dynamic Paul Dunlea Big Band and curated by acclaimed trombonist, arranger and composer Paul Dunlea. He will recreate some iconic jazz moments that blessed the Opera House stage over the decades with esteemed performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Blossom Dearie. Swingin' & In Time will hit the stage on Saturday, September 27. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Cork Opera House CEO and Artistic Director, Eibhlín Gleeson said the newly announced productions are 'a celebration of opera, traditional music and jazz.' 'Created in collaboration with some of Ireland's most esteemed artists and musicians, these performances reflect Cork Opera House's commitment to celebrating everything that makes Cork unique—its culture, its creativity, and its community. 'Each production is a testament to the innovation and artistry at the heart of Cork Opera House. As we mark 170 years of performance, we invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone with works that honour our past, resonate in the present, and inspire the future,' she concluded. Tickets are now on sale for these performances from and Box Office (021 4270022).
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Cork Proms review: Opera House hosts enjoyable night of hits from musical theatre classics
There was a touch of Broadway on the boards of Cork Opera House over Easter weekend when Irish talent recreated some iconic scenes from musical theatre history. The first leg of the Cork Proms 2025 was Epic Icons of Musical Theatre, with soloists Juliette Crosbie, Ben Morris, Claire O'Leary, Shane O'Riordan, and Jacinta Whyte tackling some of the biggest numbers of the genre. Accompanied by the excellent Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, curated by Trevor Ryan, and conducted by John O'Brien, the show featured numbers from musicals both old and new, with shows like Chicago, Les Misérables, and Waitress being well-received. A particular highlight was Crosbie's emotive interpretation of the ballad She Used To Be Mine from Waitress, a soaring and heartfelt tune, while her duet with O'Leary on Wicked's Defying Gravity was a crowd-pleaser, with great use of the stage lights for dramatic effect. A scene from Epic Icons Of Musical Theatre, part of the Cork Proms. Picture: Celeste Burdon Another vocally-challenging number is Being Alive from Stephen Sondheim's Company but it is one O'Riordan sang with ease, the high notes seeming effortless as he explored the character Robert's feelings about marriage. Whyte, who has played Grizabella in Cats, brought her experience to Cork in a strong performance of Memory, and Morris impressed with a timely take on Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar, with one particularly high note eliciting impressed gasps from the auditorium. A special mention must go to the young singers on the night who delighted the audience in ensemble pieces like You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two from Oliver! and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins. Ellie Byrne, Con Curtin, John Gunn, Sadbh Murphy, Emilia O'Brien, and Emma O'Donnell were full of talent and charm on the stage. The closing number, the stirring ensemble piece One Day More from Les Misérables, seemed a strange choice for a company of just five singers, and while they made a valiant effort, it would have benefited from more voices coming together. Perhaps Do You Hear The People Sing from the same show would have been a stronger choice for the number of singers they had on stage. Overall, Epic Icons of Musical Theatre was a delightful night of music for fans of the genre, with iconic songs from Broadway and the West End well-represented by a stellar line-up. The Cork Proms continue on Wednesday, April 23 with The Ultimate Classics before taking on Kings, Queens and Princes of Pop on April 26 and 27. See
