The First Festival

World Premiere
A Wexford Festival Opera Commission
Libretto by Colm Tóibín
Music by Alberto Caruso
Sung in English

In celebration of the 75th Anniversary Festival, Wexford Festival Opera has commissioned Colm Tóibín and Alberto Caruso to present an operatic tribute to the Festival that Colm has loved and championed for decades. This world premiere celebrates the beginnings of the Festival.

Colm Tóibín, one of Ireland’s leading artistic figures, has a long history with WFO that began when he attended a dress rehearsal of The Pearl Fishers (1971) as a student in Wexford town. Colm has seldom missed a Festival since. His enthusiasm for, and enormous knowledge of, music and theatre has inspired Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi, and her creative relationship with Colm is one of the most important partnerships of Rosetta’s directorate. The First Festival reunites the celebrated novelist with his regular collaborator, composer Alberto Caruso, following on from their two pocket operas: The Master (2022) and Lady Gregory in America (2024).

Set in the local Tax Office in 1951, The First Festival celebrates the joy that erupts in Wexford as word spreads that an opera festival is starting in the town. When a motley crew of international singers and artists arrive in Wexford, singing arias of love and regret, long pent-up passions are unleashed on a town that will never be the same again. Written specifically for young voices on the Wexford Factory programme, this ensemble work is designed to showcase the Factory participants’ emerging talents whilst challenging their developing skills, and delighting audiences.

*Mon 19 Oct | 1950's Themed Night: Wexford Festival Opera's story began in 1951. For the opening night performance of The First Festival, we’re returning to that first chapter. Dress up in 1950s style attire and join us for an evening of vintage glamour, celebration, and operatic drama. Dust off your pearls and poodle skirts, and ready that sharp suit!