After long silence, there is music again,
thin lip of moon and again bright stars,
the weeds, safe now in their coffins of ice,
in singing weather.
from In Singing Weather by Maggie Anderson
In the “singing weather” of winter, Cork Opera House invites you to embrace the crisp air, the stillness of the winter night and the warmth of music that captures nature’s most dramatic season with the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists.
Cork mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson, Kildare bass-baritone Rory Dunne and Clare tenor Dean Power are joined by pianist Ciara Moroney at The Goldie Chapel, Nano Nagle Place for an Evening of Winter Classical Song on Tuesday 10th December, where they explore the beauty and power of winter through music.
The Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists
The late Cara O’Sullivan, one of Cork most iconic and beloved opera singers, was an exceptional coloratura soprano and a consistent presence on the Cork Opera House stage throughout her entire career. Time and time again, she brought her extraordinary talent to our audiences, her breath-taking voice and her infectious energy made every performance memorable. Cork Opera House has founded this programme in Cara’s memory to honour her contribution to her art form and acknowledge the great love her audience had for her. By honouring her life and work, we hope to contribute significantly to the future of opera in our city so that future generations can benefit from the legacy she left in her wake.
The Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists Programme launched in 2021, and the first cohort of artists included sopranos Emma Nash and Rachel Croash, tenor Gavan Ring, and baritone Rory Musgrave. The programme brought these artists together for a number of special performances on Cork Opera House’s main stage, free performances in its foyer, and during Covid, outdoor performances on Emmet Place. The second cohort of artists, announced in Autumn 2023 comprises Kelli-Ann Masterson (Soprano), Dean Power (Tenor), Niamh O’Sullivan (Mezzo-Soprano), and Rory Dunne (Bass Baritone).
The Goldie Chapel, Nano Nagle Place
Designed by architect George Goldie in 1865, this beautiful Victorian high Gothic Revival chapel lies at the heart of Nano Nagle Place as one of Cork’s most intimate venues. Retaining the layout of a convent chapel, the architecture is intended to enhance the sound of singing voices, perfect for this quartet of vocalists to permeate the chapel space with the balm of music.