Lurline on RTÉ lyric FM with TU Dublin Conservatoire

Mark your calendars for a special broadcast of William Vincent Wallace’s grand legendary opera Lurline on RTÉ lyric FM’s Opera Night with Paul Herriott.  This event highlights the artistry of TU Dublin Conservatoire students and alumni, showcasing their exceptional talent in a historic performance of one of Ireland’s most exquisite operatic treasures.

The first modern performance of Waterford-born composer William Vincent Wallace’s Lurline took place on 26 July 2024 at the National Concert Hall (NCH) Dublin. Produced by TU Dublin’s Prof. Una Hunt, this production was the culmination of a 15-year research journey to revive the lavish and lyrical opera based on the Lorelei legend of the Rhine mermaid.

The opera features the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Péter Halász, principal guest conductor of the Hungarian State Opera, alongside a stellar cast of soloists, including soprano Rachel Kelly as Lurline, tenor Luis Gomes as Count Rudolph, and bass-baritone Ashley Riches as Rhineberg. Notable Irish singers such as Gemma Ní Bhriain, Rory Dunne, and Anna Brady also brought Wallace’s Romantic vision to life.

Integral to the production’s success, the Lurline Opera Chorus included students and alumni from TU Dublin Conservatoire. Their exceptional performances added depth and dynamism to the musical landscape, reinforcing the Conservatoire’s reputation as a hub of operatic excellence.

If you can’t tune in live, the opera will be available on RTÉ Lyric fm’s archive after broadcast, and a film of the full opera will be launched after Christmas.

CAST

National Symphony Orchestra
Péter Halász, conductor    
Rachel Kelly, Lurline    
Ashley Riches, Rhineberg    
Luis Gomes, Count Rudolph    
Gemma Ní Bhriain, Ghiva    
Thomas D. Hopkinson, Zelieck, a Gnome    
Rory Dunne, The Baron Truenfels    
Anna Brady, Liba     
William Pearson, Wilhelm
Lurline Opera Chorus

Co-production between the National Symphony Orchestra and Heritage Music Productions supported by the Arts Council’s Opera Projects and Production Award