Wexford Festival Opera (WFO) has announced the opening of applications for the 2024 Wexford Factory, its fourth annual programme designed to support young singers and pianists at the beginning of their careers. The Wexford Factory provides professional and financial backing to those selected, and offers them an opportunity to develop their musical and professional skills. The programme is aimed at Irish citizens or those resident in Ireland who are under 35 years old, with a good knowledge of French, German or Italian. However, international candidates will be considered if there are unfilled positions.

The Wexford Factory offers an intensive two-week training course, which includes masterclasses, stage craft, body awareness, belcanto style and technique, and 18th, 19th and 20th Century opera style and technique. Participants will receive a scholarship of €1,500, as well as travel and accommodation expenses. At the end of the programme, Wexford Festival Opera will produce an opera project, which will be performed during the 2024 Festival in the O’Reilly Theatre.

Auditions will take place on 19, 20 and 21 June 2023 in Wexford. The closing date for applications is 15 May 2023. Applications should be sent to Nora Cosgrave, Director of Artistic Administration, Wexford Festival Opera, High Street, Wexford Y35 FEP3, or by email to wexfordfactory [at] wexfordopera.com. Along with the application form, candidates must include one close-up photograph and one full-length photograph, a CV, a copy of a valid identification document, and, if available, letters of reference.

See link below for further details.