Opera Collective Ireland (winner of Best Opera Semele at this year’s Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards) presents Flight - Jonathan Dove’s breakthrough opera - landing in Ireland from 5-12 September 2023

A superb, original modern-day operatic comedy which has found universal popularity, will be performed in Dún Laoghaire, Galway, and Cork.

Following many different productions and more than 150 performances to date across the world, Flight by Jonathan Dove, will finally land in Ireland – courtesy of the award-winning production company, Opera Collective Ireland in collaboration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

With a libretto by leading British playwright April De Angelis, the opera has both laugh-out loud and more serious moments as the story of the refugee who lives in the airport - inspired by the true-life story of Mehran Karimi Nasser, an Iranian refugee who lived at Charles de Gaulle Airport Paris for 18 years – unfolds around the different characters who find themselves delayed in the terminal.

“Dove’s music flies, the opera is fun, and people are going to love it”.
– (London) Evening Standard

Written for an ensemble cast of 10 singers, this darkly witty opera, with its dynamic airport setting and scintillating orchestral writing, has a compelling immediacy which has captivated audiences worldwide. Though composed 25 years ago, Flight continues to have a compelling resonance and poignancy today.

The creative team includes acclaimed director Stephen Medcalf, conductor Wyn Davies, set & costume designer Maree Kearns and lighting designer Kevin Smith. They will be joined by a dynamic young Irish cast including Eoin Conway, Ami Hewitt, Roisin Walsh, Christopher Bowen, Anna Brady, Eoin Foran, Carolyn Holt, Jolyon Loy, Deirdre Arratoon, and Fionn Ó hAlmhain.

Colette McGahon, Opera Collective Ireland Artistic Director said,
“Opera Collective Ireland and Kilkenny Arts Festival (in partnership with Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and Sestina) were honoured to win Best Opera for Handel’s Semele at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards in March 2023.”

“We’re confident that the Irish premiere of Flight will prove to be another hit with our audiences around the country.”

Performances of Flight will take place at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire (5-6 September), Town Hall Theatre, Galway (9 September), and at The Everyman, Cork (12 September).

Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting characters and their humorous escapades, where the mundane and the extraordinary collide. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or new to the world of opera, FLIGHT promises an unforgettable experience that will touch your heart and soul.