The Magic Fountain

Frederick Delius

19, 23, 25 and 31 October

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Venue

O'Reilly Theatre, National Opera House

Tickets

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Duration

Approx. running time: 100 minutes (plus 30 mins interval)

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Production Sponsor

Production generously supported by The Delius Trust.

Lyric drama in three acts

Libretto and Music by Frederick Delius

First stage performance:
Kiel (Landeshauptstadt) 2 December 1997

Sung in English with English surtitles

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Delius composed this opera in 1893-1895, but the first fully-staged production wasn’t given until a century later.

This was Delius’s second attempt at opera.
His father had sent him to Florida to manage a citrus plantation, hoping to divert him from a musical career. This brief experience left a lasting impression on the composer.

Director Christopher Luscombe and conductor Francesco Cilluffo share their unique insights. Christopher says: "I've really fallen in love with it. I think it's a fantastic piece" with Francesco saying "it's just an incredibly beautiful score".

Cast

Cast
Solano	Dominick Chenes
Watawa	Axelle Saint-Cirel
Wapanacki	Kamohelo Tsotetsi
A Spanish Sailor	Chorus

Creative Team

Creative Team
Stage Director	Christopher Luscombe
Conductor	Francesco Cilluffo
Set & Costume Designer	Simon Higlett

The Plot

A Spanish explorer, Solano, and his crew are becalmed at sea off the coast of Florida. While the crew longs for home, Solano is consumed by a legend he has heard about a Fountain of Eternal Youth.
A storm arises, wrecking the ship, and Solano is the sole survivor.
Washed ashore, he is found by Watawa, who carries him to her village. Solano shares his dream with the village seer, who reveals that the fountain does exist and that
Watawa will guide him to it.

Despite knowing that drinking from the fountain will bring death to someone who comes unprepared, Watawa agrees to lead him.
Aware of the fountain’s true nature, Watawa tries to dissuade Solano from his quest. However, in the end, she sacrifices herself, and Solano tragically follows her to his doom.

Watch & Listen

The Magic Fountain | Director interview

Hear from director Christopher Luscombe and conductor Francesco Cilluffo about their approach to staging the production as part of the 74th Wexford Festival Opera.

Dates and times

Dates and times
Sunday 19 Oct7:30pm	7:30pm	€35 – €160	Book Tickets
Thursday 23 Oct7:30pm	7:30pm	€35 – €160	Book Tickets
Saturday 25 Oct7:30pm	7:30pm	€35 – €160	Book Tickets
Friday 31 Oct7:30pm	7:30pm	€35 – €160	Book Tickets