Viriginia Wins Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Opera

The critically acclaimed 2010 Wexford Festival Opera production of 'Virginia' by Saverio Mercadante was named 'Best Opera' at the 2010 Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards ceremony last night in Vicar Street in Dublin.

This Italian tragedy tells the epic tale of love, obsession and honour and reflects the political scene in 19th century Naples. Controversial in its time, the opera was banned in 1850 for its portrayal of absolute power and corruption.

Venezuelan Conductor Carlos Izcaray conducted the Wexford Festival Opera Chorus and Orchestra, while Kevin Newbury directed an international cast including Hugh Russell, Ivan Magri, Bruno Ribeiro, Gianluca Buratto and world-renowned soprano Angela Meade, who was described in The New Yorker as 'dynamic'. It also included 6 transition year students for the Loreto, Wexford who had the opportunity to work closely with the highly regarded production team.

This is the 5th year in the past 6 years running that Wexford Festival Opera has been honoured with this award and the 4th such award under the Artistic Direction of David Agler. "I am, of course, delighted that Irish Times Theatre Awards have once again recognized the quality of work we do in Wexford. Most importantly I congratulate the artistic team, Carlos Izcaray, Kevin Newbury, Allen Moyer, Christopher Akerlind and pay tribute to the magnificent singing of Angela Meade in the role of Virginia." Chief Executive David McLoughlin accepted the award on behalf of Wexford Festival Opera.

The 60th Wexford Festival Opera begins on Friday 21st of October, 2011 and runs through Saturday, November 5, 2011. Priority booking for Friends begins on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, with General Booking commencing on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Visit www.wexfordopera.com for further details.

 

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