Opera production allows 120 Limerick schoolchildren the chance to shine

Peter Barley, organist at Limerick’s 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral, was jazzing up his usual routine over the weekend as he led more than 120 youths in Benjamin Britten’s children’s opera, Noye’s Fludde.

Peter is the cathedral’s full-time organist and said the production may reveal Limerick’s young talent.

A native of Oxford, he said: “Many of the great singers in the UK learned their music at local cathedral productions. Hopefully, we will see more of this in Limerick and the talent we have come across has been marvellous and very exciting.”

Funding of €46,000 towards the cost of staging the opera was provided by Limerick City of Culture and Limerick Regeneration.

While the lead roles are played by professional actors, singers, and musicians, more than 120 children, aged 7 to 17, are on stage and in the orchestra for the 50-minute show.

Catherine Nix, co-producer, said many of the children would not have the opportunity of attending local stage and music schools.

She said: “A number of children from St Mary’s Park who heard about the show at school turned up for auditions, signed up, and are in the show. They have been able to work on a full stage production with professional tutors,” she said.

“An important aspect of the show is that the masks and costumes have been made in different schools who are taking part where workshops were set up to do the work. Emma Fisher, a professional stage designer, worked with students at the schools where they made the costumes and the set designs.”

It is expected that up to 1,700 people will see the show over six performances, which commenced at the weekend. They continue tonight and tomorrow

Catherine said: “We are taking up a collection at the end of every performance to go towards the flood relief in St Mary’s Park.”

She said the opera has got a huge response. “Many children can’t avail of professional tuition in music and acting schools, due to a number of factors. But this show has opened that door to them and it is obvious from the work they have put in that they want to seize the opportunity and give expression to the talents they have.

“Kids are looking out for opportunities such as this show gives them. The musicians have been drawn from music schools such as the Limerick School of Music, the Redemptorist Centre of Music, and Clare Music Makers. Ard Scoil Mhuire students have been hugely involved.”

Peter added: “It was very exciting to see it all come together and there has been great excitement among all the young performers. It is a big undertaking and the City of Culture and Limerick Regeneration deserve great praise for the great support they have given this production.”