Two Rising Opera Stars Receive 2026 Wexford Festival Opera Bursary

Two young singers taking part in this year’s Wexford Festival Opera have been named recipients of the 2026 Danone Young Outstanding Artists Award.

Soprano Eva Maria Kavanagh and baritone Cuan Durkin, both members of the Wexford Factory professional development programme, will receive financial and career support through the bursary.

The award is now in its sixth year and is aimed at helping emerging performers at a key stage in their careers.

Danone has supported Wexford Festival Opera since 2010 and also sponsors one of the Festival’s mainstage productions each season.

Cuan Durkin said receiving the award was particularly meaningful because of his long connection with the Festival. His mother is a professional violinist who has performed in the Wexford Festival Opera orchestra, and he said returning as a Factory singer felt like “coming home”.

The Sligo baritone is currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and has already picked up a number of awards and bursaries during 2026.

Eva Maria Kavanagh, a 22-year-old soprano from County Carlow, recently completed her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and will continue her studies there this year.

She said bursaries such as the Danone award give young singers the freedom to continue developing, take risks and find their own artistic voice.

The Danone Young Outstanding Artists Award was first presented in 2021, with previous recipients including Jade Phoenix, Leah Redmond, Hannah O’Brien, Laura Aherne, Seán Tester and Frasier Hickland.

The 75th Wexford Festival Opera continues until October 31st.