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Community engagement

Wfo town event

Our learning and engagement programme extends across the community, but always having fun along the way.

WFO performance

Singing for Health & Wellbeing – Your Healing Voice

People love to sing. Whether or not they can carry a tune, people seem to understand that there is something positive in the act of raising their voice in song, and the benefits of singing for health and wellbeing are well documented.

Singing for Health and Wellbeing is an exciting series of workshops brought to you by Wexford Festival Opera. Hosted by Elizabeth Stuttard at the National Opera House, the series looks at the holistic benefits of singing.

Classes are free and commence on 7 June 2022 from 12.00 to 1.30 pm for five weeks at the National Opera House.

2011 Gianni di Parigi Rehearsal

Singing for Health: Parkinson's

This series is facilitated by an experienced vocal health coach that looks beyond ability to concentrate on the benefits of social singing.

Led by singing coach Elizabeth Drwal, a highly experienced singing teacher with a portfolio of work built up over the last thirty years. She has completed an MA (distinction) specialising in singing for health for those living with Parkinson's. 

The techniques used at the WFO Singing for Health sessions are based on research that shows that those with Parkinson's can maintain or improve their psychological and physical well-being by participating in regular singing activities. As many people with Parkinson's have vocal problems, regular singing can help strengthen the voice. Classes are FREE. Join us at any time!

Wexford experience

Brining Opera to care homes

The initiative is part of the Festival's outreach programme, Synapses, and sees a series of events performed in care homes and day centres around the county.

The theme of Synapses is about making connections between audiences, members of the Festival and the wider community, no matter where they are or what age.

The Festival, together with funding and technical support from Datapac, will continue to travel to different care homes and centres to showcase various artists and elements of the Festival programme. Also, part of these events will be a screening of a short documentary video made during the previous year, including interviews with members of the company and snippets of performances from the stage.

This new programme of activities is one of the first in a series of future plans for the Festival to focus even more on community outreach and education and showcase outside of the Festival calendar. It is a key focus of the Festival to stay connected to all its audiences and to share its art with those who may not be able to make it into the theatre itself or perhaps have not yet.

Dressing room3

Window display competition

Wexford Festival Opera are determined to ensure that all eyes are still on Wexford in 2023. An important and immensely popular part of previous Festivals has been the Window Display Competition. This year it is more important than ever!

Mala vita2

World Opera Day

World Opera Day is an international awareness day which, taking place every year on 25 October, highlights the positive impact and value of opera and performing arts for society. 

Further details about this year's events will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

See World Opera Day
Our volunteers

Volunteer

At Wexford Festival Opera, we continuously work to ensure every visit is as enjoyable as possible for everyone. This is only possible thanks to the army of smiling and friendly Festival Volunteers. They are the welcoming face of the Festival, on-hand and ready to greet, seat, support, drive, usher, work backstage and support the staff team to deliver a Festival celebration of opera in our beautiful Wexford each year.

Become a volunteer
Volunteer award

Volunteer award

The Volunteer of the Year award is an annual initiative to celebrate the dedication and commitment of a nominated volunteer in the Wexford Festival Opera. The award shines a light on the remarkable achievements of a nominated Volunteer.

Check out volunteer award