Classical Notes

Blackwater opera festival back up and brimming with ambition

The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival embraces 21 events at 12 venues over eight days beginning May 29, with more than 4,500 visitors expected to attend

Soprano Abigail LaDuke performs in Recitals for The Classical Music Lovers as part of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, May 29-June 5. Picture: Patrick Browne

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) is a shining example of what an ambitious music festival can do to lift the profile – and the spirits – of a region that in the past struggled to do itself full justice in the tourism and holiday marketplace. I’m talking about Waterford.

In the past decade this county has achieved many fine things to boast about, but there is something special about the glow that this annual opera ...