Irish National Opera (INO) stages its first main-scale opera during the company’s inaugural year with one of the greatest comic operas ever written — Mozart’s, The Marriage of Figaro.

Figaro is one of the most performed operas from Mozart’s popular repertoire and recently was voted the greatest opera of all time (by BBC Music Magazine). It famously received five encores at its original première in 1786.

This comic tale of mayhem and mischief boasts some of the most beautiful and familiar music ever written, and the energetic story of servants outwitting their masters with the quick-witted Susanna rejecting her employer’s advances has thrilled and delighted audiences for 250 years.

INO’s production will feature many Irish opera stars including mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught who sings Susana. Erraught recently sang two lead roles back-to-back on one of the biggest opera stages in the world, the Metropolitan Opera, New York.

Mozart’s superb score with its unforgettable arias including the Sull’aria and Voi Che Sapete combined sensational ensemble numbers will be played by Irish Chamber Orchestra with the chorus of Irish National Opera and Peter Whelan conducting.

Directed by the celebrated Patrick Mason, with design by Francis O’Connor and Paul Keogan, The Marriage of Figaro will play for a single performance at the National Opera House in Wexford on April 13th at 8 pm, and for four performances only at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre on April 17, 18, 20 and 21 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at 15 euro and are available on irishnationalopera.ie

The Marriage of Figaro will be one of several new productions in Irish National Opera’s first year. The company, which was selected last year by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon to provide opera in Ireland, was formed out of Opera Theatre Company and Wide Open Opera. Under Artistic Director Fergus Sheil, INO will, from 2018, provide main-scale and touring operatic repertoire across the island of Ireland and internationally.

Irish National Opera is funded by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91)

The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro) (1786) Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Friday 13 April 2018

Wexford, National Opera House 8 pm

Ticket prices range from €15- €80 visit nationaloperahouse.ie or call 053-912 2144

Tuesday 17 April to Wednesday 18 April 2018 and Friday 20 April 2018 and Saturday 21 April 2018

Dublin, Gaiety Theatre 7.30pm

Ticket prices range from €15-€86 gaietytheatre.ie or call 0818-719388