Culture That Made Me: Kerry tenor Gavan Ring on Tolkien, Amadeus, and Páidí Ó Sé

The opera singer from Cahersiveen reveals touchstones that stretch way beyond his own discipline 

Gavan Ring performs in Lismore at the upcoming Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Picture: Frances Marshall

Gavan Ring, 39, grew up in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. He has performed in many of the world’s greatest opera houses and appeared in the most prized opera roles. In 2020, he transitioned from baritone to tenor. 

He was part of the inaugural Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist Programme at the Cork Opera House. He will perform in Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, 7.30pm, Wednesday May 27 – Monday, June 1. See: blackwatervalleyopera.ie