Welcome to the dlr Glasthule Opera website. Last year's festival success proved that there is an audience for opera in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.

The weather gave us a real summer festival atmosphere with flowery frocks, straw hats, Prosecco, strawberries and cream and the magnificent view of Dublin Bay before and at the interval of the opera.

The aim of Glasthule Opera is to promote Irish singers by giving them a much-needed professional experience. The casts are drawn from singers who are in various stages of their career and development from international names to those aspiring to become professional singers.

Even in these challenging, recessionary times, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council continues to support dlr Glasthule Opera and adds our festival to their already impressive portfolio of Art Events in the country.

Last year we welcomed a large group of Anthony Kearns' fans from the U.S. This was organised by Lynnette Crouse who went on to hold an auction of "Carmen" memorabilia on her return home in aid of Glasthule Opera. Grateful thanks to Lynnette and indeed all our "Friends" who help us to continue to promote Irish singers.

Please remember Moliére's famous words:

... of all the noises known to man, opera is the most expensive

If you are not already a "Friend" of Glasthule Opera, please consider joining the list of people who help to make this possible. Together with our "Friends", Glasthule Opera can prosper and contribute to the promotion of Irish singers, conductors and directors and further enhance this beautiful area.

Anne-Marie O' Sullivan
Artistic Director