St Carthage’s Cathedral once again provided a remarkable setting for two unforgettable performances during Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2025.
Audiences were moved by a candlelit performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, featuring internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy alongside Dean Murphy and Kelli-Ann Masterson. Conducted by Nicholas McGegan and performed with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, the production brought powerful storytelling and exquisite musicianship to one of Ireland’s most historic sacred spaces.
The Cathedral also played host to three recital performances during the June bank holiday weekend:
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Irish Salon Opera Series: The Tinker and the Fairy
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Irish Salon Opera: George Bernard Shaw Songs
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RDS Collins Memorial Recital
These recitals brought warmth, intimacy, and variety to the festival, highlighting the cathedral’s role as both a sacred space and a vibrant cultural venue.
Save the date: Blackwater Valley Opera Festival returns from 25 May – 1 June 2026. http://www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie
📸 BVOF 2025 c. John D. Kelly
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