From the Theatre Royal in Wexford. Sean Rafferty looks back at the development of Wexford Festival Opera, founded in 1951 by its first artistic director,
Dr Tom Walsh. He also explores its changing musical tastes and talks to Luigi
Ferrari, the current artistic director, about this year's season.
8.00 The Charlatan
A Wexford Celebration continues with Pavel Haas 's "musical tragicomedy" about Pustrpalk, a travelling doctor. He falls in love with the hypochondriac but beautiful Amaranta, who joins his troupe. She is guarded by Jochimus, a monk, who dies as a result of an essential operation carried out by Pustrpalk. Amid accusations of murder, the doctor flees, succumbing first to drink and then to paranoia.
Wexford Festival Opera Chorus, Irish National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Israel Yinon
Parti
9.10 Short-Breathed Melodies
Jan Smaczny talks about the composer Pavel Haas , and John Abulafia , the director of tonight's Wexford production, discusses its challenges and rewards.
9.40 Part 2
10.45 Making Waves in Wexford
Towards the end of a year celebrating the bicentenary of the United Irishmen's Rebellion,
Sean Rafferty explores the current state of Irish cultural life. His guests include Tony O'Dalaigh , director of the Dublin Theatre Festival; novelist
Colm Toibin ; and Patricia Quinn , director of the Irish Arts Council.
Producer Chris Spurr. A Wexford Celebration executive producer David Byers