Much Ado About Nothing

Libretto by Julian Sturgis after Shakespeare
Music by Charles Villiers Stanford

In this faithful adaptation of Shakespeare’s great romantic comedy, Stanford beautifully captures the emotional complexity of the characters and their shifting relationships, effortlessly managing the shifts between sparkling comedy and darker intrigue. This work of lyricism and Shakespearean vitality will enjoy a renewed spotlight for the 75th anniversary.

Following the presentation of another Balfe opera at the 1963 festival, it became Wexford’s stated intention to revive additional operas by Irish composers; hence this Stanford piece was staged in the following year.

Following on from the Festival’s critically acclaimed success with Stanford’s The Critic in 2024, WFO is proud to present a new production of Much Ado About Nothing, continuing the exploration of the composer’s work.

First performance 30 May 1901, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Previously staged at Wexford Festival Opera in October 1964