Suzanne Nance looks ahead to landmark 75th Wexford Festival Opera

The new Executive Director of Wexford Festival Opera has been outlining plans for this year’s milestone 75th festival.

Suzanne Nance, who took up the role in January, joined Alan Corcoran on the Morning Mix to discuss what audiences can expect from the 2026 programme.

This year’s festival will run from October 15th to 31st, with a theme described as “one for the head, one for the heart, and one for fun,” reflecting a mix of dramatic, emotional and entertaining productions.

Among the headline operas are Iris, L’equivoco stravagante and The Gambler.

International stars including Joseph Calleja and Ermonela Jaho are set to feature, alongside Irish performers and emerging talent.

Nance says Wexford Festival Opera continues to act as a launchpad for young artists, with a strong focus on development through initiatives like its Factory Academy.

The festival is also seen as a major boost for tourism and the local economy, drawing visitors from around the world to County Wexford each year.

General booking for the 2026 festival opens on Wednesday, May 6th, with priority booking already available for Friends of Wexford Festival Opera.

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