Event Details

In May 2025, The Limerick Opera and Music Project will host its highly anticipated Annual Opera Festival, a month-long celebration of opera that combines history, culture, and community with world-class performances and immersive experiences. This festival is designed to engage the entire city, transforming public spaces and historic venues into stages where audiences can experience the power and beauty of opera.

Festival Highlights

• Operatic Memorabilia Exhibition
  This special exhibition will feature rare artifacts from renowned opera houses like Covent Garden and La Scala, paying tribute to Limerick’s operatic icons, Catherine Hayes and Joseph O’Mara. Visitors will have the chance to explore costumes, original scores, letters, and photographs, offering a glimpse into the lives and careers of Limerick’s most celebrated opera stars.
• Screening of Maria in the Belltable
  Join us for an exclusive screening of Maria, a film that chronicles the final years of Maria Callas, starring Angelina Jolie. This screening will provide a unique perspective on the life of the opera legend and the sacrifices she made for her art.
• The Limerick Opera Trail Walk
  A guided walking tour through Limerick’s iconic operatic sites, the Opera Trail Walk will explore key locations linked to the city’s storied operatic history. Along the way, participants will learn about the lives and legacies of Catherine Hayes, Joseph O’Mara, and other figures who helped shape Limerick’s place in the world of opera.
• On-Street Aria Performances
  Bringing opera directly to the people, these spontaneous on-street performances will take place throughout the city, offering audiences a chance to experience opera in the vibrant streets and plazas of Limerick. These informal arias are designed to be accessible to everyone, creating moments of musical magic in public spaces.
• Gala Concert at Sarsfield Barracks
  This grand concert will feature an impressive lineup of opera singers from across the EU, celebrating Limerick’s multicultural spirit. Set in the historic Sarsfield Barracks, this concert will showcase a range of operatic classics and contemporary pieces, connecting Limerick to the broader world of opera.

Festival Points of Interest

1. 1. Operatic Memorabilia from Covent Garden and La Scala – Rare artifacts celebrating Limerick’s operatic legends.
   2. Special Screening of Maria Featuring Angelina Jolie – A unique look at the life of Maria Callas.
   3. Limerick Opera Trail Walk – Discovering the city’s operatic history through guided storytelling.
   4. On-Street Aria Performances – Bringing opera to public spaces for a spontaneous, accessible experience.
   5. EU Gala Concert at Sarsfield Barracks – Celebrating Limerick’s diversity through operatic performances.
   6. Youth Outreach Programs – Workshops and talks tailored for students and young audiences to spark an interest in opera.
   7. Interactive Exhibitions – Hands-on experiences at the memorabilia exhibition, allowing visitors to dive deeper into operatic history.
   8. Opera in Historic Venues – Performances set in Limerick’s iconic venues, blending music with history.
   9. Meet the Artists – Post-performance sessions where attendees can engage with performers and learn more about their journeys.
   10. Community Engagement Events – Opportunities for Limerick’s residents to participate, learn, and celebrate opera together.