Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Jordan Shanahan (Dutchman)

Giselle Allen (Senta)

Jordan Shanahan (Dutchman) and James Creswell (Daland)

Giselle Allen (Senta) and Jordan Shanahan (Dutchman)

Irish National Opera Chrous

By Andrew Larkin, 23 March 2025

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“Jordan Shanahan imbued the Dutchman with both power and pathos”

Reviewed at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin on 23 March 2025

Wagner, Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman)

Irish National Opera

Fergus Sheil, Conductor

Rachael Hewer, Director

Howard Hudson, Lighting Designer

Irish National Opera Orchestra

Irish National Opera Chorus

Jordan Shanahan, Dutchman

Giselle Allen, Senta

James Creswell, Daland

Toby Spence, Erik

Carolyn Dobbin, Mary

Gavan Ring, The Steersman

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.

*****

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

Gold medal for Irish National Opera's L’Olimpiade at Covent Garden

Roy Westbrook, 13th May

Venetian Baroque opera once had a raison d'être of spectacular and complex stagings, but Daisy Evans makes us see that other ways are possible.

****1

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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.

Charting new waters: The Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland