A year of celebration for Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House has just announced three flagship events as part of its 170th anniversary celebrations this year.
The events are part of a joyous year-long programme celebrating 17 decades of incredible memories while also looking forward to the venue’s bright future.
Commenting on this historical year, Cork Opera House CEO and Artistic Director, Eibhlín Gleeson, said: “It’s very important that we take the time to celebrate our legacy.
“Cork Opera House is such an important part of life in this city and our intention is to ensure this is the case for many generations to come,” she added.
Best of Cork Opera House Gala
The Best of Cork Opera House Gala will be a black-tie gala evening of celebration, music, opera, comedy, theatre, and dance taking place on 22 March. It will feature a stellar line-up of some of Ireland’s finest artists, including musical theatre icon Killian Donnelly of West End fame, beloved Cork soprano Majella Cullagh, and other notable Cork artists who have contributed so significantly to the success of Cork Opera House in recent years. The gala also includes current and past Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artists, Niamh O’Sullivan, Rachel Croash, and Emma Nash. Tickets are now on sale for the event at corkoperahouse.ie.
Send it Home
This unique public engagement project is aimed at reconnecting with the community, inviting the public to discover and share historical artefacts and stories connected to Cork Opera House’s past. From long-forgotten costumes to old programmes, posters, and keepsakes stored in attics, Send it Home will catalogue and celebrate the deep cultural and historical ties between Cork Opera House and the people of Cork.
People will also be asked to submit stories and legends about Cork Opera House that have passed from generation to generation.
“Cork Opera House belongs to the people,” said Ms. Gleeson. “For generations, it has been a place where stories come alive. We know there are treasured programmes, ticket stubs, letters, and photographs out there — pieces of history that deserve to be shared.”
The Decades Project
As part of its ambitious anniversary programming, Cork Opera House is launching The Decades Project, an extraordinary five-year artistic journey that will unfold between 2025 and 2030, leading up to the venue’s 175th anniversary. Through this initiative, 17 selected artists will create original works inspired by the theatre’s defining moments across its 17 decades of existence.
Each artist will explore key figures, performances, and cultural shifts that have shaped Cork Opera House’s history, transforming them into new artistic expressions across various disciplines.
Chair of the Cork Opera House 170th Planning Committee, Cllr Mary Rose Desmond, said: “As a city, Cork has had the great privilege of having an Opera House on the banks of the river Lee for 170 years.
“We want to ensure that we take the time to thank the city and engage with the people who make Cork Opera House the success that it is today,” she added.
Chair of the Cork Opera House Board of Directors, Tim Healy said: “Cork Opera House’s impact goes far beyond economics. It is the beating heart of our artistic community and a pillar in our city’s cultural life.”
Further details about Cork Opera House’s 170th Birthday Programme will be announced throughout the year, with information about upcoming events and tickets available at corkoperahouse.ie or from Cork Opera House Box Office on Tel. 021-4270022.