Classical Notes

Dick O’Riordan: Magical moments abound as Irish stars shine bright at Wexford

Irish talent shone through at this year’s largely spell-binding Wexford Festival Opera, conjuring stellar performances in three major productions

Jennifer Davis as Armida and Gerard Schneider as Rinaldin Armida, playing as part of the Wexford Festival Opera in the O’Reilly Theatre, National Opera House, Wexford. Picture: Clive Barda

Wexford Festival Opera (WFO) chose magic as the theme for its 71st festival, even to the extent of sprinkling stardust all the way up High Street to the doors of its half-hidden opera house. Once inside, however, artistic enchantment took over in its many wondrous ways, particularly great singing, flamboyant choruses and a WFO orchestra in top form.

There was enchantment in the air as well as on the road. This was spread over three ...