Opera in the Open
Opera in the Open is an initiative of Dublin City Council that presents live performances of operatic work in the open air in Dublin City Centre.
The annual opera season is taking place on every Thursday in August in the Amphitheatre at the Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.
Each opera performance is presented in an abridged format, narrated in English, and lasts one hour, fitting perfectly into the lunchtime slot from 1 to 2pm.
Attendance is completely free of charge, and all are welcome!
The Amphitheatre features a raised stage, seating areas, and grassy verges perfect for a picnic lunch. It is conveniently accessible from Winetavern Street and space is made available for wheelchair users. Attendees are encouraged to bring cushions, blankets and camping chairs for additional comfort if desired.
Opera in the Open shows beyond doubt that there is a substantial audience for opera in Dublin. Here in the heart of the city, there's no better way to enjoy summer in Dublin than by enjoying an aria or two at lunchtime each Thursday throughout August.
2025 Programme Details
7th August - Carmen (Georges Bizet)
14th August - Così Fan Tutte (Mozart)
21st August - Acis and Galatea (George Frideric Handel)
28th August - Donizetti Gala
Thursday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August 1pm - 2pm
Free, no booking required
Narrator/The Spirit of Carmen – Mary McEvoy
Carmen – Sandra Oman
Don José – José Pazos
Escamillo – Simon Morgan
Micaëla – Sorcha O’Regan
Frasquita - Clíodhna Regan
Mercedes – Ciara Smith
Remendado – Oisín Ó’Dálaigh
Dancairo – Edward Finegan
Pianist – Mairéad Hurley
Fiordiligi – Shauna Buckingham
Dorabella – Diana Salop
Ferrando – Cathal McCabe
Guglielmo – Matthew Mannion
Despina – Sandra Oman
Don Alfonso – Brendan Collins
Pianist – Mairéad Hurley
Acis – Cathal McCabe
Galatea – Sorcha O’Regan
Damon – David O’Carroll
Polyphemus – David Scott
Pianist – Maria Geheran
Sylvia O’Brien soprano
Shauna Buckingham soprano
Andrew Gavin tenor
Simon Morgan baritone
Vincent Lynch piano
Thursday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August 1pm - 2pm
Free, no booking required
