Aughrim Singer Takes The Stage At The 75th Wexford Festival Opera

Soprano Eiméar Harper is joining the cast of a world premiere written for Wexford's rising stars.

A Wicklow voice will be among those marking a landmark moment in Irish music. Eiméar Harper, from Aughrim, is part of the cast for the 75th Wexford Festival Opera.

The coloratura soprano grew up surrounded by music and went on to graduate with first-class honours with a Master of Music (Performance) from TU Dublin Conservatoire in 2023.

Eiméar Harper's stage credits already span a wide range and include roles in the Irish premiere of Errolyn Wallen's 'Cautionary Tales' with Opera Collective Ireland, and Gretel in Humperdinck's 'Hansel and Gretel' with Lyric Opera Ireland. Eiméar has also played Mary Crawford in the Irish premiere of Dove's 'Mansfield Park', The Cousin in Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly' and Yum-Yum in Gilbert & Sullivan's 'The Mikado'. She performs regularly in the chorus of Irish National Opera.

Eiméar is currently part of the current Wexford Factory programme 2026/2027. The initiative is designed to nurture emerging talent, including opera singers, répétiteurs and stage managers, as they take their first steps into the industry.

Over the past month, sixteen opera singers, three pianists and two stage managers have taken part in an intensive programme of coaching, mentorship and masterclasses led by international professionals, including renowned soprano Lisette Oropesa. They will also gain valuable performance experience throughout the festival.

Playing Bernadette in a world premiere

A highlight of this year's Factory programme is The First Festival, a world premiere written by Colm Tóibín with music by composer Alberto Caruso. The opera tells the story of the excitement that erupted in Wexford as news spread that an opera festival was being established in the town. Against a backdrop of anticipation and celebration, romance ensues.

Written specifically for the young voices of the Wexford Factory, the work celebrates the Festival's 75th anniversary and showcases the next generation of opera talent. Eiméar is one of the artists playing the role of Bernadette, which is shared between a number of performers on different dates.s

The 75th Wexford Festival Opera runs from October 15th to 31st  at the National Opera House, Wexford. Tickets are on sale now at wexfordopera.com.