County Wexford School of Music Junior Orchestra go backstage at Wexford Festival Opera

(Monday, October 12, 2009) 10 budding young musicians from County Wexford School of Music got the opportunity to ‘enjoy a rare experience’ at Wexford Festival Opera as they were invited by Artistic Director, David Agler to witness backstage rehearsals of Wexford Festival Opera in the run-up to the opening of the Festival on Wednesday, Oct 21.

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The young participants are all members of the Junior Orchestra under the guidance of Emily Redmond, and were delighted to witness, first-hand, the working life of an opera professional.  Speaking on the opportunity, newly appointed director of County Wexford School of Music, Patrick Molitor said, “It’s a rare treat for our young musicians to witness at first hand the vibrant workings of a backstage area in preparation for such a major European festival as Wexford Opera. We are very grateful to Wexford Festival Opera, it’s staff and performers for giving us such a unique treat and I’m sure it will live long in the memory of our Junior Orchestra members, perhaps inspiring them in their own love and playing of music ”, 


Also joining the tour was presenter of RTE 2 ‘News2day’programme, Stephen O’Shea.  He and his camera-crew came along so children all over Ireland could also have a sneak-peak into the world of Wexford Festival Opera.  The purpose of the visit was to give the children an inside view of the working life of artists during the rehearsal period.  With that, the eager junior musicians put on their backstage passes and were met by Production Manager, American, Brad Vernatter, who brought the children through the ‘Stage Door’ and into the busy and magical world of Wexford Festival Opera.  With 3 full operas in the final stages of rehearsals, there are now over 250 singers, musicians and crew in the building at any given time.  Brad is in charge of everything that happens backstage and to tries to keep everything running smoothly!  Not an easy task, but he was the perfect tour guide.


And so it was ‘access all areas’, as Brad brought them into the Green room (artists’ waiting lounge) to meet some of the singers and into the John and Aileen O’Reilly Theatre, where rehearsals for ‘Maria Padilla’ were underway.  Artistic Director and Conductor of ‘Maria Padilla’, David Agler, took a break to welcome the students and to offer them some advice.  “I started off just like you - playing an instrument in a music school.  I always thought I’d be a solicitor or an accountant or something.  I didn’t realize that this was a career option too.  But the more I played music, the more I was hooked.  I just knew music was the only thing I wanted to do.  It’s important to follow your dreams.”  With that, David invited them to go up onto the stage for a different view.


Under the bright lights of the stage, one young musician tried out the state-of-the-art acoustics with her violin, commenting, “The sound is so much sweeter up here.”  Indeed many of them hoped to someday perform on the stage of the award-winning Opera House.


Students also got to drop into rehearsals for ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’ in the smaller Jerome Hynes Theatre.  This production, which opens the festival, is one of the biggest productions under-taken in many years at the festival.  It has a very large cast, chorus and orchestra. The children were completely mesmerized by the rehearsal, which is energetic and captivating.  One remarked, “It was so random and funny.  It’s not what I thought it would be at all!  I loved it!”  After rehearsals, they were brought up to the wardrobe and make-up departments to see the hundreds of costumes and wigs that were being prepared for this year’s festival and have a quick look into the dressing rooms!


The entire tour took over an hour and so it was time for some refreshments with some of the singers from the festival who came along to have a chat with the children and tell them how they got their start.  The children were surprised at how young many of the singers were, but were delighted to learn that many had only decided to sing opera in the last few years – many of them started off in very different areas – but are now hooked on opera.  American Soprano, Barbara Quintiniali, who sings ‘Maria’ in ‘Maria Padilla’ said, ‘If you love to travel, this a great career – it’s very international and you get to work with so many wonderful people.  But it’s also very difficult.  You have to love it.”


Sadly the tour had to end and the children left reluctantly, but full of enthusiasm and looking forward to watching it all again on RTE 2 ‘News2Day’.  They are already looking forward to their next visit to Wexford Opera House, whether it’ in the audience, backstage or on-stage! 

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