Series created in Cara's memory

A new outdoor opera series has been inspired by the much-missed soprano Cara O’Sullivan who passed away earlier this year.

Cork Opera House launched its Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist Programme on Tuesday, which will celebrate and promote four opera singers, providing opportunities for them to perform locally for Cork audiences throughout 2021.

The newly appointed associate artists are sopranos Emma Nash and Rachel Croash, tenor Gavan Ring and baritone Rory Musgrave.

They will kick off the inaugural programme with Puccini’s ‘La Bohème’ Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ and Mozart’s ‘Cosí Fan Tutte’ in July as they perform these reimagined classics at five locations across the city.

This project is the brainchild of Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlín Gleeson, in collaboration with directors John O’ Brien and Conor Hanratty.

She said: “This is a very special moment for Cork Opera House for two reasons. Primarily, we are taking this moment to celebrate the enormous contribution made by Cara O’Sullivan to opera and to our region. In addition, this is an opportunity for Cork Opera House to provide the people of our beloved city with operatic repertoire at this very strange and unusual time for the arts.”

“The programme has been created in Cara’s memory and is designed to provide a platform to singers in her name creating employment and continuing the incredible tradition of supporting and encouraging operatic talent in our community.”

Ms Gleeson’s words were echoed by Cara’s good friend and contemporary, soprano and Opera House board member, Majella Cullagh.

She said: “I know that Cara would have been happy and proud to be the inspiration for the Cork Opera House programme supporting artists and operatic productions.”

The socially distanced live shows are set to take place at Emmet Place, St Anne's Park, Cork City Gaol and St Mary's Dominican Church.

Private performances for the residents and staff of Marymount University Hospital and Hospice are also planned.