Last weekend at Blackstairs Opera

And so we braved the wilds of Carlow last weekend to go to the annual Blackstairs Opera show at Borris House.  The weather was unbelievably bad – just getting there turned into an amphibious challenge – but it thankfully improved as the night wore on.  In the big tent, on the other hand, the news was all good.  Country house opera has at times had a bad name, but this year’s productions from Opera Fringe were as good as I’ve seen anywhere.  Rimsky-Korsakov’s Mozart and Salieri – new to everyone I’d say – was produced (in English) simply and clearly, helped by some excellent diction from the singers Owen Miley-Read and Carthaigh Quill.  The second-half Gianni Schicchi was actually one of the best productions of this opera I’ve seen, and also excellently cast and sung.  What more can you say?  Opera Fringe is emerging as a company to watch and I hope we get get more opportunities to hear them.

More photos are provided by the Irish Times.

Blackstairs Opera double bill

Coming up soon (4/5 July) it’s time for what’s becoming a properly annual (and enjoyable) opera outing in the Southeast, Blackstairs Opera.  Following in the fine tradition of country-house opera, Blackstairs’ publicity goes in for comparisons with Glyndebourne, though not having a purpose-built theatre makes it closer in spirit to Garsington or Grange Park really – pick a nice stately pile out in the country with a big lawn, pitch a large tent on it, hire a traveling opera company and away you go!  Last year’s Wexford experiment at Johnstown Castle proved quite a hit as well, showing that there’s quite an appetite amongst audiences for having a night at the opera livened up with a hint of hedonistic eccentricity.

This year it’s the turn once again of Borris House in Co. Carlow to provide the setting.  Black tie is meant to be de rigueur at these things, though I saw plenty of lounge suits in evidence the last time I was there…. Anyway, this year’s show is a double bill of opera composers with anniversaries to mark, a pair of one-acters referencing respectively the centenary of Rimsky-Korsakov’s death in 1908, and the anniversary of Puccini’s birth 150 years ago in 1858 – Rimsky’s Pushkinesque Mozart & Salieri, and Puccini’s short-but-sweet Gianni Schicchi.  In an interesting departure, the company they’re employing this year is the Co. Down-based Opera Fringe, directed by the multi-talented Rosa Solinas, with singers including my own singing teacher, Australian bass Owen Miley-Read.  Other cast members include Cárthaigh Quill, Davide Fersini and Eimear Collins, with Roy Laughlin conducting and the productions by Roberto Recchia.  Prices are a bit steep but an excuse for al fresco dining in elegant suroundings (weather permitting) as well as over-dressing to the hilt is always an attraction… and I understand tickets are still available. Also there’s an outreach programme for youngsters and their families on the afternoon of Sunday 6 which is a nice touch.