October 22 - 31, 2012
L'Arlesiana, Le Roi Malgré Lui and A Village Romeo and Juliet at the Wexford Festival plus Theatre in Dublin
Ireland’s “Emerald Isle” moniker is not mere whimsy: it is truly a jewel of stunning landscapes, vibrant colourful villages, ancient Celtic relics, lush green valleys and abandoned castles. As an ocean 'outpost' at the western edge of Europe, Ireland has a natural character quite different than both the Continental landmass and its island neighbor to the east.
The Wexford Festival Opera has always attracted an international audience, playing a central role in the cultural life of Ireland and is considered one of the more important launching pads for up-and-coming opera singers. From small and humble beginnings it has achieved world-wide success and critical acclaim by demonstrating passion, innovation and a willingness to lead audiences and artists into neglected territories to explore the rich vein of operatic work worldwide.
As always, the Festival is committed to presenting off-the-beaten path productions; this year, we will hear three operas, including Francesco Cilèa's L'Arlesiana, first performed on 27 November 1897 at the Teatro Lirico di Milano in Milan. L’Arlesiana tells the story of Federico, a farmer, who is madly in love with a woman from the village of Arles (l’arlesiana) and becomes entangled in a love-triangle. The opera is based on the play L'Arlésienne (1872) by Alphonse Daudet. Soon after its première, L’Arlesiana fell into oblivion but enjoyed a revival in the 1930s when it benefited from political support through Cilèa’s personal contact with Mussolini. While the opera as a whole isn’t well-known, most opera-lovers will be familiar with the tenor aria, È la solita storia. We will also hear Emmanuel Chabrier's comic Le Roi Malgré Lui (1887), a work rarely performed but greatly admired by composers including D'Indy, Ravel and Stravinsky. Our final performance at Wexford is A Village Romeo and Juliet by Fredrick Delius (1907). While the opera has rarely been staged, the orchestral interlude between Scenes 5 and 6, "The Walk to the Paradise Garden", is heard separately in concerts and has been recorded many times.
In addition to hearing superb up-and-coming singers in these operas, we will attend recitals and special events (always interesting), and explore the history of Wexford and its environs.
Dublin is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Over a thousand years old, the turbulent history and rich traditions of the city have inspired writers, artists and musicians through the ages. Today, artists are still attracted to Dublin’s youthful enthusiasm and easy-going lifestyle, and the city has become a thriving center of culture and commerce. We will explore its history, theatre and performing arts and fine gastronomy in our time there.