The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival will launch a restructured membership program this Autumn.

The newly structured Friends of the Festival program aims to bolster the local arts scene and offer enhanced cultural immersion in the local community. The program will now offer tiers with a carefully designed suite of benefits. Members will receive priority booking and preferred seating, acknowledgement in the festival program, invitations to private recitals throughout the year, and more.

The company’s membership supports many of the festival’s education partnerships through workshops, school visits, and open rehearsals to students. Since its education and outreach program began, the festival has reached more than 7,000 students in the area. The membership has also awarded 40 bursaries supporting emerging singers, musicians, and creative professionals, helping them progress to leading conservatoires and international careers.

Festival Director Eamonn Carroll said in a press release, “BVOF Friends are the heartbeat of the festival. Their generosity, enthusiasm and belief in what we do have helped shape BVOF into the vibrant celebration it is today. This relaunch is a tribute to that incredible support – and an invitation to be even more closely involved in nurturing talent, supporting schools, and keeping the arts thriving in our community.”

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