60 years ago, after being persuaded to give a talk to the Wexford Opera Study Circle, famous Scottish author and founder of magazine “The Gramophone” Sir Compton Mackenzie formed a close relationship with Dr.Tom Walsh, and the Wexford Festival Opera was born.

Specialising in the revitalisation of rarely performed operas and reintroducing artists and audiences to lost masterpieces, the Wexford Festival Opera has grown from its humble origins to receive international acclaim. It would be fair to say the fierce passion, innovation, and dedication to guiding audiences and artists into unknown territories and uncover a rich world of operatic works is one of the main factors in the great success of the Festival, however it’s something a bit more ambiguous that makes this 60 year old festival sparkle. Something in the air quickens the pulse of this usually idyllic and laid back Wexford, and the town brims with a contagious feel good attitude that stokes up a magical atmosphere, making it one of the most endearing and addictive festivals in the world.

This year enjoy the festival’s 60th birthday celebrations by immersing yourself in a programme overflowing with champagne and canapés, lunchtime recitals and concerts, afternoon ShortWorks, pre-opera suppers and evening cabaret’s, not to mention three headlining Opera performances. The three Opera’s that will take place in the remarkable 770 seated Wexford Opera House (opened in 2008) include the elegant comedy “La Cour de Celimene”, the evocative tragedy “Maria”, and the witty melodrama “Gianni di Parigi”.

Written in 1855 by Frenchman Ambroise Thomas, “La Cour de Celimene” has never been performed since its first production in 1855, which is hard to understand as it is an appealing Opera with a clever plot, astonishing vocal solos, delightful music and interesting orchestration.

The second Opera to feature in the festival is “Maria” by Roman Stratkowski, it’s an old tale with contemporary relevance and the distinguished Polish writer produced a dramatic and grand opera with an almost Wagnerian use of leitmotif that intertwines characters, action, emotion and memory to great effect.

The final Opera of the trio on show is a guilty pleasure of the Wexford Festival Opera, as it’s the 15th production written by Gaetano Donizetti to feature in the festival’s 60 year history. “Gianni di Parigi” has textbook Wexford Festival written all over it as it is one of Donizetti’s least known shows and was an unsuccessful attempt to entice a well-known singer to perform his production in Paris.

Click here to have a look at a fantastic holiday home in County Wexford and join the hundreds of thousands of Opera pilgrims who travel to the Wexford Festival Opera in search of hidden operatic treasure year after year.

Did you know that you can stay in Ireland for up to 7 nights for only £235, including heating, electricity and bed linen towels? If you still haven’t booked your holidays and are keen to get away this summer, Ireland could be the place for you. “Perfect Getaways” offers a wide array of Irish destinations with a vast amount of holiday homes and apartments which can be found at www.imagineireland.com.
  The Irish history and heritage will allow you to discover famous castles, monuments and landmarks such as Dublin’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, Corks prestige’s Blarney stone and County Clares stunning views from the cliffs of Moher over looking the Atlantic Ocean.
   If that wasn’t enough, this Summer sees the annual “Rose of Tralee festival”. This is one of Irelands premier festivals which draws in over 200,000 visitors to witness the very best Irish music, firework displays and of course the crowning of “The Rose of Tralee”. The festival has been a traditional and annual event since 1949 and the town has seen many young girls been awarded the title over the years. This is a fantastic event for all the family and should not be missed.

To celebrate St Patrick’s Day why not book yourself a fantastic trip away to the Emerald Isle.  We have plenty of fantastic properties available direct from the owner in Ireland and with plenty of cheap flights you can bag yourself a bargain.

Whether you are looking for a quaint cottage or a city serviced apartment the properties, one thing you can be sure of in Ireland is a warm welcome.  So raise a glass of Guiness to Arthur and celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a lovely break to see how they celebrate in style