Published on 

Minister Humphreys attends Irish Youth Opera’s inaugural production of the Rape of Lucretia

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, is this evening (Saturday) attending the inaugural production of the newly formed Irish Youth Opera (IYO) at Wexford Opera House.

The IYO aims to provide a dedicated professional platform for emerging Irish opera singers and practitioners at a critical point in their development. The company is receiving almost €375,000 in funding under the Arts Council’s Opera Project Funding Scheme over 2014 and 2015.

Speaking this evening, Minister Humphreys said: ‘I am delighted to be here at the inaugural production by Irish Youth Opera; The Rape of Lucretia by Benjamin Britten. Not only are the young people involved in the IYO excelling in the field of classical and operatic music, they are also developing a love for the arts, an appreciation of commitment to a shared objective and of course, they are developing lifelong friendships in the process’.

“Prompted by the success of Irish singers on the international stage, Irish Youth Opera was founded by Colette McGahon, Paul McNamara and Suzanne Murphy. Their aim was to give young Irish opera artists on the threshold of their careers, a chance to gain valuable professional experience. And, they wanted to offer Irish audiences experiences of the very best of Irish opera talent, at a decisive point in its development.

“Thanks to an Arts Council Opera Production Award, Irish Youth Opera has been able to put together a fully professional production of a chamber opera piece. This opera reflects the positive impact Arts Council funding has on the quality of life enjoyed by citizens across the country.

“The arts are an important part of people’s lives in terms of social wellbeing. Besides helping to cultivate our indigenous talent at a grassroots level, the Arts Council ensures that audiences for the arts are continuously developed nationwide.

“The work of the IYO will provide a valuable and much needed opportunity for Irish audiences to experience these hugely talented young artists just before their careers take them away from our shores.”