Madam, – We were very disappointed to hear that the newly formed Irish National Opera Company is to close because of necessary cuts (Home News, May 28th). The timing could not have been worse, since 2012 is the bicentenary of Ireland’s important opera composer, William Vincent Wallace (1812-1865), and he must be celebrated both in Ireland and the UK.
Thankfully, Wexford Festival tells me it has turned a corner in their previous thinking about Irish composers, and is likely to stage a production to celebrate Wallace. Certainly, the majority of opera lovers will find Wallace’s operas above the quality of those like Lortzing, or Smetana (staged last season). The new theatre, with substantial government investment, deserves to prioritise with consideration of Irish operas where they are of proved quality.
Victorian Opera Northwest, based in Cheshire, has worked with Maestro Richard Bonynge to follow the Irish Arts Council recording of Wallace's Maritana(under Proinnsias O'Duinn, 1995 Naxos) with Lurline(2010 Naxos) in readiness for the Wallace celebration. We sincerely look forward to Wexford adding to the momentum already established and follows this celebration of your wonderful composer.
It is just a pity that Irish Opera is not now available to add its weight to any celebratory performances. (Naxos is to re-release Maritanaby the end of this year). – Yours, etc,