Monteverdi Orfeo

Ireland's National Touring Opera Company Monteverdi Orfeo

While Monteverdi may not have invented opera, his Orfeo is unanimously accepted as the first operatic masterpiece. OTC is delighted to welcome back its founding Artistic Director Ben Barnes – director of the company's first opera performance, The Turn of The Screw, in 1986 – who brings a dynamic new interpretation to the timeless story of Orpheus. Opening in the Theatre Royal, Waterford on Saturday 9th of June with a second performance on Sunday 10th, the opera will then tour to venues nationwide.

Director since 2006, Barnes' work has been seen in major cities internationally. Former Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre (2000-2005) Barnes has directed extensively both at home and abroad particularly in the US and Canada. He has served on the board of the Dublin Theatre Festival and was also Chair of the Council of National Cultural Institutions (CNCI). Originally a Georgian playhouse, the Theatre Royal was adapted in the nineteenth century, and under Ben Barnes has undergone a five year major restoration programme which is due to be completed this summer. The Theatre Royal has served the local community in Waterford for 220 years.

Opera Theatre Company – Ireland's National Touring Opera Company –continues its 26th year with this musically and emotionally compelling work. The Company has a leading reputation in the field of baroque operas, and a proven track record having enjoyed full houses and critical acclaim for many previous productions including Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea which was described as a brilliant update of a classic… a headline event by the Sunday Times.

The authoritative cast includes baroque specialist Oliver Mercer (Orfeo), Irish sopranos Sadhbh Dennedy and Daire Halpin, Karolina Blixt, returning US bass Matthew Treviño (Magic Flute), Peter O'Donohoe, and OTC Young Associate Artists Fearghal Curtis and Padraic Rowan.

Orfeo will delight the first time opera-goer and the seasoned fan.