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About
As Northern Ireland’s national opera company, we are the only professional company in the country producing full scale work on stage and which celebrates and platforms Northern Irish artists, for audiences from their local communities and beyond. We contrast this with nimble smaller scale high quality opera productions which we tour to communities across the country where there is low/no classical music provision. From teenagers experiencing their first opera, to those with a lifelong love of the artform; our critically acclaimed produced work engages audiences in a unique opera experience rooted in a country with a rich history of music.
Northern Ireland Opera believes in the power of opera to bring people together, to offer unmatched entertainment and escapism, and to tell universal stories. Northern Ireland’s rich history of song, music and storytelling are the foundations which fuel our ambition to draw communities together to experience the total artform of opera presented through a contemporary Northern Irish voice, and the emotional and social benefits that it can bring.
Upcoming Shows:
Follies
Dates: 13–20 September 2025, evening and matinee performances
Venue: Grand Opera House, Belfast
Northern Ireland Opera presents a new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Follies, directed by Cameron Menzies. This legendary musical set on Broadway in 1971 features iconic songs like "Broadway Baby" and "Losing My Mind" and will be performed with a 30-strong cast and live orchestra.
Cocktails and Cabaret
Dates: 28 & 29 July 2025, 6:00 PM
Venue: The Studio, Grand Opera House, Belfast
An elegant evening of cabaret featuring top Northern Ireland vocalists performing musical theatre, jazz, and pop favourites. Includes a welcome drink from Jawbox Gin, two bespoke cocktails, and a gourmet summer buffet from Posh Nosh.
Summer Events 2025
A programme of concerts and pop-up performances celebrating opera and music across Northern Ireland:
• 19 July – midday to 1pm: Music in Botanic Gardens, Belfast (Free)
• 23 July – 1.15 to 2pm Summer Recital, First Church, Rosemary St, Belfast (Free)
• 26 July – midday to 1pm Summer Concert, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart (Free)
• 30 July – 1.15 to 2pm Lunchtime Summer Recital, First Church, Belfast (Free)
• 5 August – Opera at The Court House, Bangor - SOLD OUT
The 15th Glenarm Festival of Voice
Dates: 22–24 August 2025 - A weekend of vocal performance and public recitals, including three concerts in partnership with BBC Radio 3. The festival culminates in a vocal competition hosted by BBC presenter Sean Rafferty and showcases emerging opera talent. Apply for free tickets for the BBC Recitals via BBC Shows and Tours. All other events bookable at niopera.com
- 22 August 8pm - BBC Radio 3 Recital featuring mezzo soprano Carolyn Dobbin and pianist Simon Lepper in St Patrick's Church
- 23 August 10am to midday - Art, craft and drama activities for 9-11 year olds in The Coach House, Glenarm Castle
- 23 August 3pm - From Old To New: Ulster Scots Song with mezzo Carolyn Dobbin and pianist Tristan Russcher
- Location: Glenarm, County Antrim
- 23 August 8pm - BBC Radio 3 Recital featuring baritone James Atkinson and pianist Simon Lepper in St Patrick's Church
- 24 August 1.30pm - BBC Radio 3 Recital featuring baritone Santiago Sanchez and pianist SImon Lepper in St Patrick's Church
- 24 August 6.30pm - Vocal Competition Finale in The Church of the Immaculate Conception
