Opera Gala - Passion & Betrayal

Following the success of The Barber of Seville in February, Lyric Opera Ireland and the Grand Opera House partner once again, along with the Ulster Orchestra, for two special and extraordinary operatic concerts in May 2027.

Curated and directed by Lyric Opera’s Artistic Director Vivian J. Coates, this semi-staged concert is a glorious operatic gala bringing together some of the most sublime arias and extended scenes from Italy’s greatest composers and best loved operas.

This magical production features the incredible talents of four world class singers including the stunning young Italian soprano - Claudio Muschio, Belfast’s extraordinary star mezzo soprano - Sarah Richmond, the meteoric rise to prominence of the Spanish/Mexican tenor -Abraham Bretón, and the dynamic, dramatic Korean baritone - Noh Dong-Young. Irish conductor, Killian Farrell, conductor designate for the Nürnberg Opera 2027/2028 Season, returns to Belfast to further collaborate with the Ulster Orchestra.

In keeping with the theme of Passion & Betrayal, the performances pay tribute to the genius of many masters of Italy’s greatest composers. Giuseppe Verdi is represented with arias and scenes from La traviata, Nabucco, Il Travatore and Rigoletto. Bel canto is showcased through the genius of Bellini from I puritani, La sonnambula, I Capuleti e i Montecchi, alongside Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers and The Barber of Seville.

Donizetti is represented by Lucia di Lammermoor, Robberto Devereux and Don Pasquale. Puccini completes the programme with scenes from La bohème and Turandot.

Whether you are an opera aficionado or entering the enthralling world of opera for the first time, you don’t want to miss this emotional and unforgettable evening of Italian opera. You will definitely not be disappointed.