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Irish Examiner
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Theatre review: A Midsummer Night's Dream beguiles in Lismore
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Lismore; County Waterford ★★★★★ With an idyllic backdrop of a castle worthy of a fairytale, Britten's Shakespearean opera delving into an enchanted world of mischief and magic was an ideal choice for the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Many elements combined to beguile in this production on a summer night in Lismore, not least the weather which stayed fair throughout. Director Patrick Mason's production sets the drama in two eras. The fairies are dressed in Elizabethan costumes, shimmering in silver while the mortal lovers evoke the 60s — the decade when the opera premiered at Aldeburgh. The 'rustic craftsmen' don bowler hats for a Morris dance accompanied by a fairy recorder ensemble, (the excellent Piccolo Lasso Children's Chorus). Festival director, Dieter Kaegi assembled a large ensemble of young Irish and international artists active in the European opera scene. Actor, Barry McGovern adds gravitas in the speaking role of Puck. Barry McGovern as Puck. Picture: Frances Marshall Underpinning the drama, the Irish Chamber Orchestra under David Brophy was terrific, giving a solid instrumental foundation throughout. It was good to see an ensemble back in front of the singers and not tucked away to the side. There is much exposed writing for solo instruments; trumpet and horns excelled — and the opening bass glissandi set the mood of magic and menace from the opening bars. Aside from the headline opera productions, there was much to enjoy with an attractive programme of events over the week. At St Carthage's Cathedral, baritone Rory Dunne and soprano Amy Hewitt impressed in the rarely heard one act operetta; The Tinker and the Fairy with music by Michele Esposito and libretto by Douglas Hyde. Later, writer George Bernard Shaw was the focus of an entertaining programme featuring the voices of Gemma Ní Bhriain and Sean Tester. While the closing numbers from My Fair Lady would have benefitted from a lighter touch, the acerbic wit of Shaw's reviews and the songs of Oscar Straus from The Chocolate Soldier drew the loudest cheers from the house. It is good to see the festival continue to build momentum in its 15th year in one of Ireland's most beautiful settings.
Irish Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2025: Vocally sure singing, but has a revamp muted Britten's orchestral magic?
A Midsummer Night's Dream Blackwater Valley Opera Festival ★★★☆☆ How things change. Back in 2010 the first Lismore Music Festival, today's Blackwater Valley Opera Festival , presented sure-fire repertoire – Bizet's Carmen, with Fiona Murphy heading the cast of 10 in the title role – in a marquee in the stable yard of Lismore Castle, with an ensemble of violin, accordion, guitar, double bass and percussion standing in for the colourful orchestral score. Move on 15 years and the festival is offering Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream with a cast of 19 and the Irish Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Brophy, with nearly five times as many musicians in the pit. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Piccolo Lasso, Ami Hewitt and Dominic Veilleux. Photograph: Frances Marshall The stage area is transformed this year. A raised platform now covers the entire performance area, not only allowing for greater freedom of movement but also creating a pit for the orchestra at floor level. (The tiny Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh, where Britten's opera was first performed, in June 1960, also had to be enlarged and improved to accommodate the work.) The festival has made cosmetic improvements, too, with better-looking seating – which, strangely, is less comfortable because of the way it tilts forward – and black ceiling drapes, which give a softer interior appearance; sadly, they seem to do little or nothing to damp the percussive onslaught of rain on opening night on Wednesday. READ MORE So far so good. What about the production itself, directed by Patrick Mason and designed by Paul Keogan (set and lighting) and Catherine Fay (costumes)? It's a handsome, brightly lit show, the central, white-curtained bed about as close as it gets to any suggestion of night, and with different social levels distinguished through costumes of different periods. The actor Barry McGovern's black-clad Puck, wielding a white feather/wand/baton, falls somewhere between master of ceremonies, wizard and wannabe conductor. The soprano Ami Hewitt's beautifully bewigged Tytania sweeps and soars in style and manages a suppleness of vocal line that is otherwise in short supply. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Barry McGovern. Photograph: Frances Marshall A Midsummer Night's Dream: David Brophy and Irish Chamber Orchestra. Photograph: Frances Marshall The voice of the countertenor Iestyn Morris is too ethereal for his Oberon to make a real impression, sounding mostly insubstantial rather than atmospheric. The various couples – Christopher Cull and Gemma Ní Bhriain as Theseus and Hippolyta, Peter O'Reilly and Sarah Richmond as Lysander and Hermia, and Gregory Feldmann and Amy Ní Fhearraigh as Demetrius and Helena – are more engaging, vocally sure and with real tension in the conflicts they experience as a result of the love-inducing magic juice that mismatches them. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Amy Ní Fhearraigh, Gregory Feldmann, Peter O'Reilly, Sarah Richmond and Dominic Veilleux. Photograph: Frances Marshall A Midsummer Night's Dream: Ami Hewitt and Dominic Veilleux. Photograph: Frances Marshall The mechanicals are a damp squib when going through the preparations for their play within a play but altogether livelier in their performance of that comedy. The Bottom of the bass-baritone Dominic Veilleux revels in the comic opportunities afforded him as the ass Tytania is made to fall in love with. But, musically, there is something pallid about the performance. I'm not sure that this is entirely the fault of either singers or conductor. The voices don't carry well, and the orchestra is often so soft and muted that much of Britten's orchestral magic fails to register. My seat near the back may have played a part, but my primary suspicion is that the drapes just absorb too much sound in a space that's already severely acoustically challenged. A Midsummer Night's Dream is at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival , Lismore, Co Waterford, on Friday, May 30th, Saturday, May 31st, and Sunday, June 1st; the festival runs until Monday, June 2nd
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Irish Chamber Orchestra and renowned pianist to play Beethoven compositions at Kerry venue
Mr Bezuidenhout is returning for his third collaboration with the orchestra for the next instalment of his much-anticipated Beethoven Piano Concerto cycle The South African-born pianist brings his own blend of brilliance to Beethoven's music and, following on the success of Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 3 in October 2023, he is turning his attention to Piano Concertos 2 and 4. Each piece promises to be a dramatic dialogue between Bezuidenhout and the orchestra, from fierce defiance to tender vulnerability while pushing boundaries with bold, expressive depth. Piano Concerto 2 is said to sparkle with youthful charm and wit while Concerto 4 is said to be intimate and emotional before soaring to a radiant finale. The Irish Chamber Orchestra and Kristian Bezuidenhout will play the Tralee venue on Friday, June 20. Tickets can be purchased online for €28.50 (retired/unwaged: €26) plus booking fees at The Irish Chamber Orchestra will play the University Concert Hall in Limerick on June 19 and The Whyte Recital Hall in Dublin on June 21.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival: What's still available to book
Understandably, this performance of a mainly Irish cast, supported by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, is completely sold out, but for those who didn't catch the early opera treats, there is still time to dive in to the event, which runs from May 27 to June 2. With 23 events, two full opera productions, and over 100 world-class artists performing in ticketed and free events across 12 unique venues, it is the most ambitious programme in the festival's 15-year history, say organisers. There are performances in a castle, a cathedral and a 19th century farmhouse, as well as in historic homes. The festival will also bring live performances to Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Stradbally, Youghal, and Castlemartyr. So if you haven't yet planned your trip, here are some hidden gems you can still get to see. Opera in the cathedral Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, featuring Paula Murrihy, Dean Murphy, Kelli-Ann Masterson, and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, will showcase the expressive beauty of baroque opera, offering a striking contrast in musical style and atmosphere across the festival. Tuesday, May 27's showing still has limited tickets available. It takes place at St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, Waterford. Tickets €20-€40. Concerts at Dromore Yard A romantic, semi-restored 19th-century farmyard on the banks of the River Blackwater sets the scene for two of the festival's most anticipated performances, headlined by internationally celebrated Irish mezzo-sopranos Paula Murrihy and Niamh O'Sullivan. Ms O'Sullivan's Where Birds Do Sing recital with pianist Gary Beecher from 3pm on Sunday, June 1 promises to be a standout moment – following their acclaimed appearance at Wigmore Hall, London. Some limited €35-€60 tickets are still available, but you will have to be quick. Paula Murrihy returns to the same venue for the festival finale, Baroque Hits, on Monday, June 2 from 8pm, performing with the Irish Baroque Orchestra under the baton of Nicholas McGegan. A handful of €25 tickets remain. ADVERTISEMENT Free outdoor recitals Throughout the week, a series of intimate classical performances will take place in historic homes and venues across the Blackwater Valley. The programme highlights include Shakespeare in Music, The Tinker and the Fairy, and a special poetry and music recital honouring George Bernard Shaw, with tickets starting at €25 for unallocated seating. However, there are also four lunchtime recitals that are free to attend on Tuesday, May 27 at Millenium Park in Lismore, on Friday, May 30 at at Walton Park in Dungarven, on Saturday, May 31 at Green Park in Youghal and on Sunday, June 1 at Castlemartyr Resort. They all start at 12pm and run for one hour, with the exception of Castlematyr, which starts at 1pm. Although there is no charge, attendees do need to book online at Witness the talent of tomorrow The festival supports emerging talent through four bursary awards, recognising exceptional promise in young artists and performers. This year's recipients will appear alongside Irish Heritage award winners in live performances during the week. Tickets for the recital of soprano Aimee Kearney and pianist Georgina Cassidy on Wednesday, May 28 from 1pm at Tourin House in Waterford are still available at €25 plus booking fee. Indulge in fine food – or a picnic Food lovers can look forward to a feast of flavours throughout the week, including a Midsummer-inspired menu created by celebrity TV chef Eunice Power, served in tents on the grounds of Lismore Castle. This three-course Italian-style meal is sold-out on Wednesday, May 28, but you can book for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Dinner starts at 5.15pm and costs €85 per person for the standard menu or €75 for vegan. A booking fee is also added. Pre-show gourmet picnics are also available to order for Lismore Castle on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, or at Dromore Yard on Sunday and Monday. There's also an option at that location to pay a corkage fee of €10 to bring your own picnic. At Lismore Castle the picnic boxes showcase Comeragh lamb, Clare Island salmon and Irish cheeses, with a plant-based option also available. Both cost €55 plus a booking fee. At Dromore Yard, the menu includes either a chicken or falafel mezze costing €45 plus booking fee. Those heading to recitals can avail from some set menu deals at local eateries like The Saucy Hen in Villierstown, Barron's in Cappoquin, and Fuller's Bistro and The Vault Café in Lismore. All menus and prices are on the festival's website, where you can book meals.
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Dublin Dance Festival 2025: At Chora, generations of choreographers, dancers and producers witness an auspicious debut
Chora Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin ★★★★☆ A notable slice of Irish dance history appears at the unveiling of Luail , the new national dance company, on Tuesday. Generations of choreographers, dancers and producers – including members of Irish National Ballet from the 1970s and 1980s, the last time Ireland had a full-time dance company – eagerly witness the opening night of Chora. Irish National Ballet's last production was Oscar, a ballet based on Oscar Wilde that it performed with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in 1989. Picking up the baton 36 years later, Luail has partnered with the Irish Chamber Orchestra in three works, the orchestra energetically part of the movement fabric onstage rather than tucked away in the pit. [ Behind the scenes at Luail as Ireland's national dance company prepares to open Dublin Dance Festival Opens in new window ] As a full-time company Luail will be judged on its coherence, how it is more than just a collection of individuals thrown together for a production. Superficially that coherence can be measured by how razor-sharp the dancers move in unison. Liz Roche, the company's artistic director, resists the temptation of a slick, easy-to-digest premiere, instead bringing three dances that celebrate the intangible: the word 'chora', drawn from classical Greek philosophy, refers to an in-between space, not quite real, not quite abstract. In response the dancers coalesce not just in movement but with less discernible collective energy. The unison isn't just visual but visceral. READ MORE Set on risers at the back of the stage, the orchestra reach their most physical presence when performing Julia Wolfe's Dig Deep, accompanying Mufutau Yusuf's brooding Invocation. Continuing the choreographer's artistic path in exploring ritual and reconnection with the past, the black-clad dancers display physical intensity, individuals flinging arms as if casting off the past or swarming in groups loaded with uncertainty. Roche's Constellations is a quieter meditation on shared space and interaction. Dressed in teal, pale chartreuse and grey, the dancers walk on stage and pause when encountering one another, the gentle disruption either ignored or acknowledged, often with hugs or by holding hands and counterbalancing each other. These dissipate as quickly as they appear as the ever-changing energy in the space – supported by Sam Perkin's evolving score – becomes defined by the different encounters, whether one to one or collective dancing in a tight circle of light, like at a club. There's the same sense of mapped energies in I Contain Multitudes, by Guy Nader and Maria Campos, performed to the composer Simeon ten Holt's Canto Ostinato. Here the bodies are more instrumental and interactions more Newtonian. Dancers are less people, more moving beings that interact through physics rather than emotional attraction. The music is similarly impersonal, with looping five-count phrases that drive the walking concentric circles into eddies of intense movement: individuals are held by an arm and leg and spun in circles, jessant bodies flung into the air and then caught by fellow dancers. Each interaction demands precision and, most importantly trust, both evident throughout. Chora is an auspicious beginning for Luail and its dancers, Jou-Hsin Chu, Conor Thomas Doherty, Clara Kerr, Sean Lammer, Tom O'Gorman, Hamza Pirimo, Rosie Stebbing and Meghan Stevens; plus guest dancers Glòria Ros, Sarah Cerneaux and Alexander De Vries. Alongside full-throttled playing from the musicians, Katie Davenport's staging and costumes and Sinéad McKenna's lighting design are understated but perfectly apposite, reflecting the evening's aesthetic self-confidence. Chora will be performed at National Opera House , Wexford, on Friday, May 16th; Lyric Theatre , Belfast, on Sunday, May 18th; and Cork Opera House , on Wednesday, May 28th
