Irish National Opera

Testament

July 24, 2026 - October 10, 2026

Info / Tickets

Description

World Premiere

An intimate and powerful meditation on memory, grief and truth, this provocative chamber opera composed by Tarik O’Regan with a libretto by Colm Tóibín adapted from his novella The Testament of Mary, unfolds in the final years of Mary, mother of Jesus.

“beautiful” ★★★★ - Irish Examiner “grippingly intense” ★★★★ - The Irish Times “deeply compelling” - Hot Press”
Past and present coexist uneasily as Mary moves between two worlds, reliving her son’s final days while exiled and silenced years later. Around her, pivotal moments from their lives emerge and dissolve, tracing the fragile boundary between lived experience and remembered truth.

Critically acclaimed Irish mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty sings the role of Mary and Irish GRAMMY Award nominee Elaine Kelly conducts Irish National Opera’s Testament. Rachael Hewer (The Flying Dutchman 2025) directs, with set design by Francis O'Connor, costume design by Joan O'Clery, lighting design by Kevin Treacy, sound design by David Sheppard and choreography by Emma Woods.

Testament is sung in English with English surtitles and features members of the Irish National Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

Post-show talk with the company Fri 24 July in Galway.

Presented in association with Galway International Arts Festival 

Irish National Opera gratefully acknowledges the late Timothy King, whose generosity supported the commissioning of the work. 

The development of this opera was also supported by The British Council.

The Bartered Bride

November 21, 2026 - December 12, 2026

Description

Singing the role of the Outlaw

Die Fledermaus

February 01, 2025

Info / Tickets

Description

FEBRUARY 2025 

NATIONWIDE TOUR

Die Fledermaus

Man-about-town Eisenstein is supposed to report to jail, his wife Rosalinde will stay home for the night and their maid Adele needs to visit a sick aunt. Yet all three turn up in disguise at Count Orlofsky’s masked ball. Mistaken identities and heavy flirting lead to a night of hilarity.

Famous for his “The Blue Danube” waltz,  Fledermaus is Johann Strauss’ most popular opera. Best-known for its tunefulness, upbeat musicality and Viennese lilt, the story has hilarious twists and turns, with disguises, double crossings and rivers of champagne.

Fledermaus  showcases outstanding Irish vocal talent with sopranos  Jade Phoenix  and  Sarah Shine  as Rosalinde and her maid Adele, and mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty as Prince Orlofsky. American tenor  Alex McKissick  sings Eisenstein and baritone  Ben McAteer (Don Pasquale 2023)  is Dr Falke. The ensemble cast also includes soprano  Megan O'Neill and tenors  Aaron O'Hare  and  William Pearson.  Fledermaus  is conducted by  Richard Peirson  and directed Davey Kelleher,  with set design by  Paul O'Mahony,  costume design by  Catherine Fay  and lighting design by Sinead McKenna.

Running time is 2 hours 30 mins including one interval.

Sung in English. 

Join the conversation with #INOFledermaus.

The First Child

July 17, 2022 - July 24, 2022

Description

Galway International Arts Festival

Reg. + libretto Enda Walsh, con. Ryan McAdams; comp. Donnacha Dennehy, orch. Crash Ensemble