Posted by:
on 15.07.2024
Skellig Six18 Distillery is elated to announce its sponsorship of the highly anticipated revival of Puccini’s La Bohème, presented by Cork Opera House and tenor Gavan Ring. Set to grace the stage on August 4th at the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, this event is part of the Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival, and it promises to be an unforgettable cultural milestone.
The beloved production of La Bohème, which captivated audiences in Cork, is making its way to the heart of rural South Kerry. This semi-staged opera will feature an extraordinary cast, including soprano Rachel Croash as Mimì, Emma Nash as Musetta, Brendan Collins as Marcello, and Gavan Ring as Rodolfo. These talented performers, many of whom are part of the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist Programme, bring a mix of Irish and international operatic prowess to the stage.
For Gavan Ring, a proud native of Cahersiveen, this event holds special significance. As he puts it, “One of my biggest philosophies is that we must get the artform out of the urban centres and into the small towns, parishes, and villages around rural Ireland. What we’re doing here in my hometown of Cahersiveen is a milestone for the growth of opera in this country.” His dedication to spreading the love of opera to smaller communities is truly inspiring.
This production is a perfect example of urban and rural collaboration. Cork Opera House CEO Eibhlin Gleeson expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are really pleased to be working with Gavan and the Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival to bring our semi-staged production of La Bohème to Kerry. Presenting this show in the beautiful setting of the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church is a privilege, and patrons are in for a mesmerizing experience for sure.”
Adapted by John O’Brien and Conor Hanratty, this production was initially conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic as an outdoor performance. It’s tailored to non-traditional spaces, with Cork actor Éadaoin O’Donoghue narrating the love story of Mimì and Rodolfo between the arias and acts. This innovative approach ensures that both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers can enjoy the performance.
The performance will be recorded for broadcast on Radio Kerry, marking the first time a full opera will be aired on a local Irish radio station. This historic broadcast will allow tens of thousands of listeners to experience the magic of La Bohème from the comfort of their homes.
The Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival has a growing reputation for hosting serious classical performances. Since its inception in 2004, it has brought remarkable events to the western seaboard, including a historic orchestral Irish National Opera Gala in 2018. The festival’s innovative approach during the Covid-19 pandemic, like the live-streamed outdoor performance by the RTÉ Con Tempo Quartet, has set a high standard for cultural events in rural Ireland.
Skellig Six18 Distillery is honored to support this incredible cultural event. Bringing Puccini’s La Bohème to Cahersiveen is not just about opera; it’s about enriching the cultural fabric of rural Ireland. We invite you to join us on August 4th for a night of breathtaking music, exceptional talent, and a celebration of community spirit. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a world-class production in an extraordinary setting.
Tickets are now on sale at Cork Opera House.
