Some of the next generation opera singers at Wexford Factory Academy 11 are expected to show off their talent during the first live performance at the National Opera House since last August.

he opera festival’s first event featuring members of the development academy created by artistic director Rosetta Cucchi, will take place on September 26, with tickets currently on sale as well as additional reservations available for all other productions. due to the recent government decision to increase capacity for indoor venues.

The 70th Wexford Festival Opera will take place October 19-31 with over 50 events, from mainstage operas to concerts, pop-up events and conferences, featuring artists from around the world.

The upcoming Wexford Factory concert is the culmination of the academy’s first two years which allows young singers to learn from some of the best artists and coaches in the world. The initiative is sponsored by PwC as part of its commitment to supporting young talent in these difficult times.

Wexford Festival Opera has long been a springboard for many young singers at the start of their careers, helping them enter the international stage.

The Factory, which is open to young Irish singers or based in Ireland, builds on this tradition, mentoring young singers through masterclasses led by internationally renowned artists and professionals.

Wexford’s first plant started in 2020 and will complete its first two-year cycle this fall. Ten of the artists who participated last year are returning to Wexford to continue their artistic development with world-renowned artists including Gregory Kunde, Ernesto Palacio, Ermonela Jaho, Anne Sophie Duprels and Tara Erraught.

Participating artists are Rory Dunne, Jade Phoenix, Kathleen Norchi, Ava Dodd, Sarah Richmond, Anna Brady, Andrew Gavin, Conor Prendiville, Vladimir-Mihai Sima and Conall William O’Neill and they are joined by Aleksey Kursanov who is on exchange with the Bolshoi Young Artists program.

After the two weeks of intensive workshops, the members will also perform in I Capuleti ei Montecchi by Vincenzo Bellini as part of the Wexford Festival Opera 2021.

The Wexford Factory is an international collaboration with Technological University Dublin (TUD), Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), Bolshoi Young Artists Opera Program, Moscow and Rossini Opera Festival Academy Pesaro.

Academy attendees have already benefited from the international connections offered by the program – Jade Phoenix has been chosen to participate in the Alberto Zedda Academy at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, Italy this summer and another artist from Factory will join the program. young artists of the Bolshoi in Moscow.

Tickets are available at wexfordopera.com and by calling the National Opera House box office on 053 912 2144.