Opera Collective Ireland

12/06/2026

🔦 OCI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to Anna Devin and Kelli-Ann Masterson, currently appearing in George Frideric Handel's Orlando at Longborough Festival Opera.

Anna first sang with Opera Collective Ireland as Poppea in Agrippina in 2015 and returned for Dido and Aeneas | Venus and Adonis in Germany in 2024.

Kelli-Ann most recently appeared with OCI in Semele, having previously performed in Pimpinone and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The Guardian praised the performances, writing:
"Anna Devin’s soprano gleams in Angelica’s vocal pyrotechnics, and Dorinda gets a sparkling performance from the rising soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson."

Directed by Sinéad O'Neill and conducted from the harpsichord by Baroque specialist Christopher Moulds, this new production features the Academy of Ancient Music.

It is always a pleasure to see former OCI artists continuing to build distinguished careers on the operatic stage. We wish Anna, Kelli-Ann and the entire company every success with the production.

Kelli-Ann Masterson Soprano Anna Devin - Soprano Guardian culture Longborough Festival Opera

25/04/2026

🎭 Mansfield Park
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Music by Jonathan Dove | Libretto by Alasdair Middleton

Opera Collective Ireland presents Mansfield Park, reimagined for today’s audiences in a contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s iconic novel. F***y Price stands at the centre of a world shaped by privilege, desire and hidden tensions, navigating shifting loyalties and emotional pressures to find her own voice.

🎶 Ivor Novello Award-winning composer Jonathan Dove’s sparkling score, with a libretto by Alasdair Middleton, is brought to life through visionary direction by Patrick Mason and conducted by David Parry.

The opera is performed by a dazzling new generation of artists bringing a sharper energy to the stage – featuring Heather Sammon, Anna-Helena MacLachlan, Jamie Rock, Laura Aherne, Diana Salop, Sean Boylan, Maria Matthews, Ami Hewitt, Andrew Henley and Cathal McCabe. Bold contemporary designs by Catherine Fay and Paul Keogan create a visually compelling world.

✨ Fresh, powerful and emotionally charged, this is Mansfield Park as you have not seen it before – direct and immediate, for Jane Austen readers, first-time opera goers, and those interested in contemporary theatre.

📍 Pavilion Theatre Dún Laoghaire
📅 Fri 25 - Sun 27 Sep 2026
🕢 Fri 25 & Sat 26 Sep, 7.30pm
🌤️ Matinée: Sun 27 Sep, 3pm
🎟️ Tickets €33/30 (+ booking fee) 🔗 Link in bio
🔗 https://www.paviliontheatre.ie/events/view/mansfield-park

🗞️ "A most charming contemporary opera"
– Bachtrack
🗞️ "Captures the spirit of the original while making the story fit for the medium of opera”
– MusicOMH
🗞️ "Dove’s sparkling score propels the action forward with great energy"
– Opera Today

🤝 OCI is grateful to the Arts Council of Ireland, Laidlaw Opera Trust, RTÉ Supporting the Arts and all those who support its work.

Pavilion Theatre
The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon Culture on RTÉ
Jonathan Dove Seán Boylan Heather Sammon

15/04/2026

Opera Collective Ireland is delighted to share that, in addition to its funding from the Arts Council of Ireland, the company is now supported by Laidlaw Opera Trust 🎶 a strong endorsement of its work and direction.

Laidlaw Opera Trust champions live music as a uniquely thrilling art form, accessible to all. It invests in opera companies and houses that believe opera should form part of everyone’s cultural capital. Through strategic support and grants, it aims to expand opera’s reach and long-term sustainability.
By investing in the future of this art form, the Trust contributes to cultural life and supports the next generation of opera audiences and artists.

Laidlaw Opera Trust is pleased to announce a new round of unrestricted small grants awarded to an exceptional group of organisations working across the opera landscape. These grants celebrate the range, creativity and artistic excellence across the sector - from intimate touring productions and chamber-scale performances to internationally recognised summer festivals. They also recognise the role of young artist programmes in developing the next generation of operatic talent.

Innovative initiatives supported by the Trust include:
🎭 Development and showcasing of new work
🎶 Working with local communities and creatives
💡 Experimenting with new business models and cost control
🎤 Supporting singers and developing careers
📍 Bringing opera to underserved parts of the country
🤝 Innovative fundraising approaches
🌍 Attracting new audiences and improving access
🎼 Developing co-productions and enabling wider touring

Laidlaw Opera Trust supports opera houses, companies and festivals producing strong work, welcoming diverse audiences, and working collaboratively across the sector.

A clear alignment - and a timely boost as OCI continues its work across touring, education and performance.

The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon

14/03/2026

Opera Bridge - What’s Next? 🇮🇪 🇩🇪 Opera news Ireland - Germany
A lively panel discussion formed part of the recent Opera Bridge programme, with 37 guests attending the recent Navigating the Opera Business! online event.

Opera Bridge is the German-Irish Erasmus+ collaboration between Opera Collective Ireland and Music Culture Rheinsberg gGmbH
The panel brought together Dieter Kaegi (Blackwater Valley Opera Festival), Brenda Hurley (Royal Academy of Music) and Karen Stone (Opera Europa) among others, along with moderators Felix Görg and Sina Schmidt (Musikkultur Rheinsberg).
The conversation explored the realities of building a career in today’s opera sector - from training pathways and artist development to how young singers navigate the international opera landscape. The discussion also highlighted growing connections between the opera communities in Ireland 🇮🇪 and Germany 🇩🇪, reflecting the wider collaboration at the heart of the Opera Bridge project.
Read the full report on the panel results here:
http://bit.ly/4sc1gRp

🏫 Learning and research on equal terms 🤝
The European opera sector is changing - more freelance careers, new digital and site-specific formats, and greater expectations around self-management, communication and media literacy. Opera Bridge responds by bringing together young opera singers with representatives from music academies, training institutions, agencies, associations, opera houses and festivals to examine these shifts together.

14 singers from Germany and Ireland take part not only as learners but as experts in their own professional experience. Through workshops, expert panels and a filmed showcase concert at the Rheinsberg Palace Theatre, the group develops artistic and entrepreneurial approaches for sustainable careers.

The project also documents their perspectives and asks key questions: what is missing in opera training today, and which skills will singers need for the profession tomorrow?

Opera Bridge 2026 Schedule ➡️
https://musikakademie-rheinsberg.de/opera-bridge/
• March 16, 2026, Preparation Showcase Concert & Q&A
• April 13, 2026, The Essentials Pack – Well prepared for opera: contracts, social security, taxes, fair fees and professional communication
• April 27, 2026, The Essentials Pack – Well prepared for opera: contracts, social security, taxes, fair fees and professional communication
• May 18, 2026, Playing the Long Game: Building a sustainable opera career«
• May 18, 2026, Opera Bridge – From Early Career to Future Stage. Developments, new formats and structural change
• June 8, 2026, The Digital Spotlight: Building an Authentic Artistic Profile
• June 22, 2026, The Digital Spotlight: Building an Authentic Artistic Profile
• July 27, 2026, Embodied & On Screen: Presence, Performance and Portfolio
• July 28, 2026, Embodied & On Screen: Presence, Performance and Portfolio
• July 29, 2026, Embodied & On Screen: Presence, Performance and Portfolio
• July 30, 2026, Rheinsberg Palace Theatre – Showcase closing concert

Royal Academy of Music Royal Irish Academy of Music Opera Europa Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn / Théâtre Orchestre Bienne Soleure Blackwater Valley Opera Festival The Journal of Music in Ireland Deutsche Botschaft Dublin / German Embassy Dublin Musikakademie Rheinsberg Erasmus+ Opera Europa

Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.

17/02/2026

Opera Bridge - online panel for emerging opera singers 🎶
23 February - 7pm GMT (8pm CET) 🌍
With experts from higher music education, opera companies, and European networks 🎶

How do you navigate the move from training into a professional life in opera – and what does success look like in today’s European market? 🎶 Join us for a focused panel discussion on careers, pathways and practical realities across the sector. This event launches Opera Bridge – the German-Irish Erasmus+ collaboration between Opera Collective Ireland and Music Culture Rheinsberg gGmbH

The event is open to the public via the music academy website under Courses.
To view the event online on 23 February, please check our Linktree 🔗
The discussion will be held in English. 🌍Online event - free of charge 🌐

The discussion centres on the transition between training and professional practice, labour market expectations, and current European trends. It addresses self-promotion, contractual and financial literacy, digital visibility, strategic networking, and resilience - not as “soft skills”, but as core tools for entering the profession, reflecting a contemporary understanding of the artist-entrepreneur.
Following brief presentations by the panellists, the discussion will feature a lively exchange of diverse perspectives on the professional realities of young opera singers. Questions, reflections and contributions from the audience are warmly welcome 🎤

Featuring industry experts: 🎼
Dieter Kaegi - Joel Schweizer
Friedemann Röhlig - Daniel Sturm
Ingo Jander - Volker Hanuschke
Karen Stone - Andreas Lander

Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Background: www.axxellauer.de


Royal Academy of Music Royal Irish Academy of Music Opera Europa Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn / Théâtre Orchestre Bienne Soleure Blackwater Valley Opera Festival

28/11/2025

We’re pleased to share details of An Afternoon of Schubert at Carlingford Heritage Centre on Sunday 7 December at 2pm – an event featuring several artists well known to Opera Collective Ireland audiences.

Sharon Carty, Aaron O’Hare and The Fews Ensemble will present a thoughtful programme of Schubert’s Lieder and chamber works, including An die Musik and the Trout Quintet. It’s a wonderful opportunity to hear these accomplished performers – all of whom have contributed significantly to Ireland’s classical music landscape.

Full details and tickets are available via Newry Chamber Music.
Read more here 🔗https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1952728/an-afternoon-of-schubert-at-the-carlingford-heritage-centre-in-louth.html

Carlingford Heritage Sharon Carty Mezzo-soprano Newry Chamber Music Visit Carlingford The Journal of Music

Venue to host concert by The Fews Ensemble, mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty, and tenor Aaron O’Hare

25/11/2025

OPEN CALL: Opera Bridge – From Early Career to European Stage 🎶
Opera Collective Ireland and Musik Akademie Rheinsberg are inviting emerging singers to apply for Opera Bridge 🎭 – an Erasmus+ supported programme designed to support the transition from artistic training to professional work.
Deadline: 6 January 2026
📩 Apply now: https://musikakademie-rheinsberg.de/kurse/opera-bridge-from-early-career-to-european-stage/

The programme focuses on the practical skills young artists need today: managing contracts and taxes, time and stress management, digital presence, image and recording rights, negotiating fair fees, and preparing for international engagements 🌍. Fourteen singers from Ireland and Germany will be selected.

Who can apply:
Singers with a completed master’s degree (or equivalent), some professional experience, and no permanent attachment to an organisation.

©Uwe Hauth 2024


Kammeroper Schloss Rheinsberg Erasmus+ Irish Embassy Berne Embassy of Ireland Berlin The Journal of Music
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

24/10/2025

🎭 Opera Collective Ireland – General Audition Call 2025 🎶

Opera Collective Ireland invites applications for General Auditions taking place in Dublin, November 2025.
We’re seeking classically trained Irish or Ireland-based singers (all voice types) for upcoming 2026 productions, recitals, and development projects.

✨ Who should apply
🎵 Emerging & established opera singers
🎵 Artists passionate about ensemble-based, collaborative music-making
🎵 Performers with a strong interest in storytelling & innovative performance

📍 Location: National Concert Hall, Dublin
🎼 Audition: Two contrasting arias – one must be 20th/21st-century repertoire in English
📅 Dates: 21 November 2025

📨 To apply:
Email roisin|operacollectiveireland|com
Include your CV, headshot, and repertoire choices

🕓 Deadline: MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2025

💫 Opera Collective Ireland champions collaboration, creativity, and the next generation of Irish operatic talent.

22/10/2025

🎭 Opera Collective Ireland — General Audition Call 2025 🎶

Opera Collective Ireland invites applications for our General Auditions taking place in Dublin during November 2025.
We are seeking classically trained Irish/Irish-based singers (all voice types) interested in performing in upcoming productions, recitals, and development projects during 2026.

✨ WHO SHOULD APPLY
🎵 Emerging & established opera singers
🎵 Artists passionate about ensemble-based, collaborative music-making
🎵 Performers with a strong interest in storytelling & innovative performance
📅 AUDITION DATES
21 November 2025
📍 LOCATION
National Concert Hall Dublin
🎼 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Two contrasting arias one of which must be 20th/21st Century repertoire in English
📨 HOW TO APPLY
Submit your up-to-date CV, headshot, and repertoire choices to:
👉 [email protected]
🕓 Application deadline:
Friday 10th November 2025

💫 Opera Collective Ireland champions collaboration, creativity and the next generation of Irish operatic talent.
fans

30/09/2025

✨ Errollyn Wallen’s Cautionary Tales, presented by Opera Collective Ireland – reviewed by the Journal of Music as Outdoing Each Other in Nastiness.
🎭 Hats off to the creative team – with a special shout out to Jenny Whyte (costume design) and Zia Bergin-Holly (set & lighting design).

Today we reveal more unseen moments from this powerful production – and if you missed it, jump over to our YouTube to catch all the highlight clips. PS – Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter via the Linktree to stay in the loop.

Funded by the Arts Council | Thanks to RTÉ Supporting the Arts
📸 Photography: Kip Carroll

Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre The Civic The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon An Táin Arts Centre Solstice Arts Centre RTÉ lyric fm Culture on RTÉ