Last seen in Dublin in 1939, the opera Lurline by Waterford-born composer William Vincent Wallace is set to be performed in concert by the National Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall on Friday 26 July. Conducted by Péter Halász of the Hungarian State Opera (making his Irish debut), the cast features soprano Rachel Kelly in the title role, alongside tenor Luis Gomes, bass-baritone Ashley Riches and mezzo-soprano Gemma Ní Bhriain. Based on the German folk legend of the water spirit Lorelei, this romantic opera was first performed in London in 1860 to rave reviews, and went on to be staged in Dublin, Sydney, and the United States. However, despite this initial success, Lurline soon sank into obscurity and is little-known today.

Soprano Rachel Kelly (photo credit © Marc O’Sullivan)

Wallace was one of Ireland’s most distinguished nineteenth-century opera composers and led a colourful life. Probably the first Irish musician to extensively travel the world, Wallace visited Australia in the 1830s; there he earned the nickname ‘the Australian Paganini’ for his musical virtuosity, and set up Australia’s first music school in Sydney. Onward travel through New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Jamaica, and Cuba led him eventually to New York, where he performed in the inaugural season of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1845, he returned to Europe and settled in London, where he produced his most famous opera, Maritana, the same year.

William Vincent Wallace

In a partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra and with funding from the Arts Council, Lurline is produced by Heritage Music Productions, headed by pianist and musicologist Una Hunt. A leading authority in historic Irish music, Una Hunt has spearheaded the rediscovery of important Irish composers and performers, bringing their music to audiences once more.

On the upcoming performance of Lurline, she said: “We are very excited to bring this wonderful Irish opera back to the stage after a hiatus of so many years. Wallace is one of my musical heroes and Lurline is among his most beautifully lavish and lyrical works – and it can hold its own with the best of romantic operas from all over the world. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring so many hugely talented musicians together for this production and look forward to presenting the whole opera at the National Concert Hall.”

Lurline will be performed at the National Concert Hall on Friday, 26^th July 2024 at 7pm.

Tickets (€15.00-38.50) from the NCH Box Office (Tel: 01-4170000) – for more information and online sales see nch.ie