Wexford Festival Opera Announces 21 Emerging Artists for the Wexford Factory Programme 2026
Sixteen singers, three pianists, and two stage managers join WFO's acclaimed professional development programme
Wexford Festival Opera (WFO) has announced the 21 emerging artists selected for the 2026 intake of its acclaimed Wexford Factory programme, welcoming sixteen singers, three pianists and two stage managers to its flagship professional development academy for emerging opera talent.
Founded in 2020 by Wexford Festival Opera's Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi, the Wexford Factory programme is WFO's professional development academy for young artists, designed to nurture opera singers, répétiteurs, and stage managers as they take their first steps into the industry.
Now entering its seventh year, the Wexford Factory is shaping the future of opera in Ireland. Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi commented:
"The Factory has always been my dream, a place to nurture the next generation of opera talent, equipping them with the skills, experience, and confidence to shine on the world stage."
Wexford Factory participants embark on a bespoke two-year journey, engaging in a professional development academy held in Wexford. The programme expanded in 2022 to include répétiteurs alongside singers, and stage managers were added in 2025. Since its launch, the programme has supported 46 singers, six pianists and two stage managers. The artists selected for the 2026 Wexford Factory are:
SINGERS: Seán Tester, Eva Maria Kavanagh, Éadaoin Hassett, Sophie Whelan, Eiméar Harper, Catherine Hooper, Deirdre Higgins, Eilís Dexter, Rachael Conaghan, Olha Palazhenko, Yasmin O'Reilly, Timothy Mays, Matthew Mannion, Fraser Robinson, Cuan Durkin and Yuchen Pan.
PIANISTS: Ellen Jansson, Ella Nagy and Orlaith Sharkey.
STAGE MANAGERS: Aimee Cullen and Aimee Hartigan.
Collaborating with partner organisations such as the Rossini Opera Festival's Alberto Zedda Academy in Pesaro, TU Dublin, the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and Opera for Peace, the Wexford Factory helps participants hone their musical and professional skills.
As part of the programme, Factory artists gather at Wexford's award-winning National Opera House every September (over two years) for an intensive programme of coaching, mentorship, and masterclasses led by internationally renowned industry professionals such as renowned soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Joseph Calleja. Alongside their training, participants gain invaluable performance experience throughout Wexford Festival Opera.
A highlight of this year's programme will be participation in The First Festival, a world premiere written by one of Ireland's most celebrated novelists, Colm Tóibín, and composer Alberto Caruso. The First Festival is an opera that tells the story of the excitement that erupted in Wexford as news spread that an opera festival was being established in the town. Against a backdrop of anticipation and celebration, romance ensues. Written specifically for the young voices of the Wexford Factory, the work is designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Festival and showcase the next generation of opera talent.
The programme culminates in the annual Wexford Factory Concert at the National Opera House on 27 September 2026. The concert offers audiences a showcase of the artistry, ambition and potential of the programme's newest participants.
PwC Ireland continues its sponsorship of the Wexford Factory programme. Additional support is provided by Fundación Arnhold de la Cámara. The répétiteur and stage management strands are supported by Community Foundation Ireland.
Tickets are now on sale for the 75th Wexford Festival Opera, running from 15–31 October.