31 July 2010 
From small and humble beginnings in 1951 Wexford Festival Opera has “achieved world-wide success and critical acclaim by demonstrating passion, innovation and a willingness to lead audiences and artists into neglected territories to explore the rich vein of operatic work worldwide.” It all began with a gramophone recital and in October 2008, dreams became reality with the historic opening of The Wexford Opera House. Situated in the south east corner of Ireland, Co. Wexford has “a wonderful mix of mountainous scenery, river valleys and unspoiled sandy beaches”.

PMF involvement:

1991 Donizetti's L'Assedio di Calais
2006 Donizetti's Don Gregorio
Donizetti's Don Gregorio

The Stage

‘The first work on this year’s programme is a treat. The story centres on the tutor to two young men whose father Don Giulio wishes to preserve them from the sins of the world and more especially the temptations of women. The result is that the younger of the two, Pippetto, attractively sung by Vicenc Esteve, becomes obsessed by the family’s elderly maid - given plenty of spirit by Sabina Willeit - while his brother has gone off and married Gilda in secret, a role vividly delivered by Elizaveta Martirosyan.

Indeed the wit and charm of the piece are very ably presented in Roberto Recchia’s lively production and Ferdia Murphy’s 1920s designs, while Donizetti’s top-class score is expertly revealed under the baton of Michele Mariotti. The second act is nothing short of hilarious. At the centre of proceedings is the immaculately judged Don Gregorio of Paolo Bordogna, very much a star account of the embarrassed tutor of Donizetti’s original title. An evening of delight and another worthwhile Wexford rediscovery.’