The Wandering Scholar & Trial By Jury: Shortworks at Wexford Festival

Über die Veranstaltung

Experience shortwork operas at the Wexford Festival Opera.

The Wandering Scholar, a one‐act chamber opera which was Holst’s final opera, was written in 1929–1930 and first performed in Liverpool shortly before his death. Holst’s lifelong passion for English folk music permeates the witty score. The libretto, by Clifford Bax, is based on one of the tales from The Wandering Scholars by Helen Waddell.

It is set in thirteenth century France where Louis’ wife Alison prepares to ‘entertain’ her admirer Father Philippe. They are interrupted by the poor wandering scholar Pierre. Alison is sympathetic but the priest throws him out. However, Pierre returns with Louis and tells a story that uncovers the priest and the carryings‐on.

The Wandering Scholar:
Pierre: Peter Davoren
Father Philippe: Gavan Ring
Louis: Jamie Rock
Alison: Chloe Morgan

Trial By Jury

Trial by Jury was commissioned as a short work to be played after an Offenbach comic opera in London in 1875. It was an immediate success and established one of the most famous of all theatrical and musical partnerships. Described as a dramatic cantata, Trial by Jury is Gilbert and Sullivan’s only opera that contains no spoken dialogue.

Edwin had promised to marry Angelina but jilted her and is taken to court in a breach of promise case. It is a delightful combination of Sullivan’s tuneful and sparkling music, Gilbert’s clever words and the absurdities that result when judge and jury become emotionally involved in the case.

Trial by Jury

The Learned Judge: Nicholas Morris
The Plaintiff: Johane Ansell
The Defendant: Riccardo Ianello
Council for the Plaintiff: Ryan Ross
Usher: Ashley Mercer
Foreman of the Jury: Koji Terada
First Bridesmaid: Jennifer Davis
Bridesmaid # 1: Susanna Fairbairn
Bridesmaid # 2: Chloë Morgan
Bridesmaid # 3: Leila Moreso
Bridesmaid # 4: Natalie Sinnott
Gentleman of the Jury # 1: Richard Shaffrey
Gentleman of the Jury # 2: Stuart Laing:
Gentleman of the Jury # 3: David Howes
Gentleman of the Jury # 4: Alexander Duliba