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Irish National Opera (INO) continues its award-winning exploration of Vivaldi’s operas with a fast and furious new production of L’Olimpiade.
Playing for one night only in An Grianán Theatre Letterkenny on Tuesday 30 April, Vivaldi’s fiery opera will tour Ireland before travelling for a sold out run at the prestigious Royal Opera House London, finishing up with two dates in Switzerland.
Set against the backdrop of the ancient Olympic games, L’Olimpiade explores themes of love, rivalry, and sacrifice, offering singers super-human acrobatic challenges that showcase the composers unparalleled musical prowess. Fergus Sheil, artistic director of INO, remarks, “Vivaldi’s operas push the boundaries of vocal artistry, and L’Olimpiade is no exception. It’s a thrilling journey through passion and perseverance.”
The stellar cast features an array of Irish and international talent, including mezzo-soprano Gemma Ní Bhriain (Megacle), countertenor Meili Li (Licida), and mezzo-soprano Alexandra Urquiola (Aristea), mezzo-soprano Sarah Richmond (Argene), baritone Chuma Sijeqa (Clistene), soprano Rachel Redmond (Aminta) and baritone Seán Boylan (Alcandro).
L’Olimpiade is the third Vivaldi opera from Irish National Opera featuring the Irish Baroque Orchestra and follows on from the resounding success of Griselda in 2019, and Bajazet in 2022 (a co-production with the Royal Opera House) for which Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra won an Olivier Award for outstanding achievement in opera. Daisy Evans directs, with set and costume design by Molly O’Cathain and lighting design by Jake Wiltshire.
Conductor Peter Whelan says “Vivaldi draws on primary colours, with heart-on-sleeve emotions – his work is very special and really comes alive, especially in live performance. Vivaldi grabs you by the heart!
“L’Olimpiade has love interest, family complications, intrigues, murders… you name it! It has a complex story, but the big themes are love and jealousy, and family pride versus love. Strong hints of Romeo and Juliet!”
L’Olimpiade is a co-production with Royal Opera House, London and Nouvel Opéra Fribourg in partnership with Irish Baroque Orchestra.
For tickets and more information, visit www.irishnationalopera.ie.
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