The Sligo Baroque Music Festival begins on the evening of September 26, 2023, with a concert titled “Corelliana,” performed by the Vespres d’Amadi Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Dani Espasa. Held at St. John’s Cathedral in Sligo, Ireland, this festival is dedicated to showcasing baroque music in various forms, including opera. Despite the recent surge in classical music and opera offerings in Ireland, the Sligo Baroque Music Festival remains a hidden gem, drawing attention this year for its innovative programming.
The festival, founded in 1995 by Rod Alston, arose out of a necessity to bring baroque music to the relatively isolated region. Alston, an ardent fan of the genre, initiated the festival after finding it difficult to travel to concerts. Over the years, the festival has expanded, maintaining its three-day format while attracting larger audiences and international artists. Cleary noted, “Local people who have never attended classical concerts now know about, attend, and even participate in festival events.”
Nicola Cleary, who has been at the helm as artistic director for five years, recently stepped down but remains actively engaged with the festival. She emphasized the festival’s mission to connect with the community, stating, “One of my motivations was to make it a festival for everybody.” Under her leadership, the festival has seen a rise in both the quality of performances and the involvement of local attendees.
In recent years, the festival has successfully staged operatic performances, including Händel’s “Acis and Galatea” in 2023, which featured marionettes interacting with live singers, and Purcell’s “The Fairy Queen”. Both productions received enthusiastic responses, underscoring Sligo’s appetite for opera.
This year, the festival introduces a community youth opera titled “Murder at Midnight,” created and performed by local youth aged 12 to 17. Cleary explained, “It is their opera! We guide them, but they make the decisions.” The production aims to engage young talent while providing them with insights into baroque music. The performance will take place at the Hawk’s Well Theatre and is anticipated to sell out quickly.
Festival Highlights and Future Aspirations
Beyond the community opera, the festival features a variety of events including concerts, recitals, workshops, and talks. The Woodpeckers Recorder Quartet from Sweden will perform an early morning concert, and a free open-air concert will take place in Queen Meave Square. Other highlights include a talk and recital by harpist Siobhan Armstrong and performances by the Sligo Baroque Orchestra and the UK’s Florilegium ensemble. The festival culminates with a gala concert, “Viva Vivaldi,” showcasing Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” featuring local soloists and the Drumcliffe Children’s Choir.
Looking ahead, the festival aims to uphold the vision of its founder while expanding its offerings. Cleary observed, “Baroque music offers a way to connect with a wide variety of people.” With new artistic director Sharon Carty at the helm, the festival is set to evolve, particularly in its vocal content, with plans for a baroque opera every year or two, depending on funding and support.
The Sligo Baroque Music Festival, while small by international standards, has made a significant cultural impact on its community, fostering a deeper appreciation for classical music and providing engaging opportunities for local artists. As it prepares for another exciting installment, the festival continues to celebrate the rich tradition of baroque music in Ireland.
