A resonant Fidelio from Irish National Opera

By Andrew Larkin, 08 November 2021

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

“Robert Murray imbued his role debut as Florestan with wonderful, heartfelt emotion”

Reviewed at Gaiety Theatre, Dublin on 7 November 2021

Beethoven, Fidelio

Irish National Opera

Fergus Sheil, Conductor

Annabelle Comyn, Director

Francis O'Connor, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Sinéad Wallace, Lighting Designer

Sinéad Campbell Wallace, Leonore

Robert Murray, Florestan

James Rutherford, Rocco

Brian Mulligan, Don Pizarro

David Howes, Don Fernando

Kelli-Ann Masterson, Marzelline

Jacek Wislocki, First prisoner

Dean Power, Jaquino

Matthew Mannion, Second prisoner

Irish National Opera Chorus

Irish National Opera Orchestra

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

A rollicking Wild West Elisir in Dublin that hits all the right notes

Andrew Larkin, 27th May

Donizetti heads West in Cal McCrystal's riotous, laugh-out-loud L'elisir d’amore, where dazzling singing meets cowboy capers in a gloriously zany production for Irish National Opera.

*****

Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Andrew Larkin, 23rd March

Ireland’s first Wagner opera in over a decade dazzles with a captivating production by Rachael Hewer for Irish National Opera.

****1

Terrifically strong principals in Irish National Opera’s Rigoletto

Andrew Larkin, 1st December

Michael Chioldi, Soraya Mafi and Bekhzod Davronov shine in Julien Chavez’ energetic production in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre.

****1

Strong voices shine amidst Fuchs' superficially garish Traviata

Andrew Larkin, 21st May

Strong vocals from the three principal singers and a sure musical direction from young conductor Farrell help offset some of the less than convincing elements to Olivia Fuchs' production.

***11

More reviews...

Andrew Larkin

Andrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin.