Youth opera company produces ‘truly Irish opera’

The newly-formed Irish Youth Opera (IYO) is going on tour this week with a production of Benjamin Britten's The Rape of Lucretia.

Chief Executive of IYO Paul McNamara said the production, which opened in Wexford at the weekend, demonstrates the possibility to create “truly Irish opera”.

“It is possible to produce compelling, high quality opera in Ireland,” said Mr McNamara, a professional tenor based in Berlin. “We actually have all the resources, the companies are here to do it, we just needed the chance. The set and costumes on the show, everything is made in Ireland by Irish companies.”

Mr McNamara argues the discussion around opera in Ireland is often focused on the country’s lack of resources.

“We don’t have an opera house in Dublin, we don’t have national opera company,” he said. “To my mind, people mistake that with saying we don’t have a tradition.”

Mr McNamara hopes the opera’s ‘Cinema Deal’, whereby people under 28 can purchase a ticket for €9, will attract younger Irish audiences to the show.

“This is not only for students. Young people in their 20s are starting their jobs and they’re not flush. These tickets might just strike an interest.”

Jennifer Davis (28), one of the performers in the opera, says most young Irish singers are forced to move to the UK, Germany and France to continue their training.

She says the IYO will give the next generation of singers “something to aspire towards”.

“They know there is an opportunity for them to get leading roles where people will see and hear you. It’s a fantastic platform that wasn’t there before.”

She also hopes the launch of the new Masters in Opera at Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) will encourage singers to stay in Ireland.

“People are really starting to take strides in making it possible for Irish opera singers to stay here longer,” said Ms Davis.

Despite increasing opportunities on Irish soil, Ms Davis admits opera singers will always have to travel for their work.

“It’s a decision factor in whether you pursue the career and some people don’t want that lifestyle,” she said. “You’re going to miss important things in friends’ and family’s lives because you’re on the road. It’s whether you want to stick that out.”

The Rape of Lucretia is at The Everyman in Cork on 9th September, The O'Reilly Theatre in Dublin 11th-12th September, and An Táin Theatre in Dundalk on 14th September.