Kildare singer to feature at Wexford opera festival
Éadaoin Hassett in the National Opera House
Kildare singer Éadaoin Hassett is set to be among the cast of the 75th Wexford Festival Opera next week and will perform in the world premiere of a new production written by Colm Tóibín and composer Alberto Caruso.
Éadaoin, from the Curragh, is part of the Wexford Factory programme 2026/2027 at the National Opera House in Wexford. The programme is designed to nurture emerging young talent as they take their first steps into the industry.
Over the past month, sixteen opera singers, three pianists and two stage managers have taken part in an intensive programme of coaching, mentorship and masterclasses led by international industry professionals, including soprano Lisette Oropesa.
Alongside their training, participants will gain performance experience throughout the 75th Wexford Festival Opera.
Éadaoin will perform in The First Festival, written by Tóibín and Caruso. The production tells the story of the excitement in Wexford as news spread that an opera festival was being established in the town.
The work was written to celebrate the festival’s 75th anniversary and showcase the next generation of opera talent.
The Kildare woman will play the role of Laura, which will be shared by different singers across the run.
She will also perform in Ailis Ni Riain’s Still, Life..., this year’s community opera, which will see professional artists perform alongside members of the Wexford community.
Éadaoin has been singing and performing from a young age. She completed the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) exams in Classical and Music Theatre up to Senior Certificate and then applied to study Vocal Performance full-time at RIAM.
Her previous professional experience includes roles in a production of Purcell’s ‘The Fairy Queen’ with Sligo Baroque, the London Handel Players and Croatian Baroque Orchestra in 2024 and Chorus in Irish National Opera’s production of Wagner’s ‘The Flying Dutchman’ in 2025.
The 75th Wexford Festival Opera runs from October 15 to 31. Tickets are available from the festival website.
