Dick O’Riordan’s Classical Notes: Irish National Opera’s Olivier award puts it on the international map

The achievement of the INO and the Irish Baroque Orchestra’s in bringing to vivid life Vivaldi’s little-known opera Bajazet is remarkable

Fergus Sheil, artistic director, Irish National Opera, which won Outstanding Achievement in Opera award for its adaptation of Vivaldi’s Bajazet. PIcture: Frances Marshall

‘’An overwhelming joy’’ is how Irish National Opera (INO) artistic director Fergus Sheil described the company’s enormous achievement after winning an Olivier Award last weekend. And long may he be overjoyed as the triumph has truly put INO – and indeed Ireland – on the opera map at the highest level internationally.

These awards, which concentrate on exceptional West End shows, represent the top honour in British theatre achievements and are comparable to Broadway’s Tony ...