The Wexford Festival Opera has announced its autumn 2025 festival. The festival will run for 16 days between Oct. 17 and Nov. 1 and will explore the theme of Myths & Legends.

In a statement, Rosetta Cucchi said, “Journey through the timeless and boundless realm of myth and legend, woven into the fabric of lyric opera. This art, grand and intimate all at once, draws its power from ancient stories, fables that have echoed through centuries. From the gods and goddesses of antiquity to the larger-than-life heroes and tragic figures, the world of opera has always been a canvas for the imagination.”

The three operas will be:

Verdi’s “Le Trouvère” will be conducted by Markus Bosch and directed by Ben Barnes. This is a rare chance to hear Verdi’s French version of “Il trovatore,” which includes the addition of ballet music as well as adjustments to the score. Lydia Grindatto will sing the role of Leonore, the role of Comte de Lune will be sung by Ludovico Filippo Ravizza, Azucena will be Xseniia Nikolaieva, Manrique will be performed by Arseny Yakovlev and the roles of Ines and Ruiz will be sung by former WFO Factory students Jade Phoenix and Conor Prendeville.

The second opera will be Händel’s “Deidamia” and will be conducted and directed by George Petru. An Opera Seria in three acts, “Deidamia” was composed in 1740 and premiered in 1741. The title role of Deidamia will be sung by Sophie Junker, the role of Achilles will be sung by Bruno de Sà, the role of Ulysses will be sung by Nicolò Balducci and the role of Nerea sung by Sarah Gilford.

Frederick Delius’s “The Magic Fountain” will be conducted by Francesco Cilluffo and directed by Christopher Luscombe. The role of Solano will be sung by Samuel Sakker, the role of Watawa by Axelle Saint Cirel, and the role of Wapanacki sung by Jonathan Lemalu.

The Wexford Factory returns with the artists from 2024 for their second year. As part of WFO 2025 the factory artists will perform “Il Viaggio a Reims.” Manuel Hartinger conducts and Rosetta Cucchi directs.

The Wexford Festival Opera will include two Pocket Opera / Opera Beag, Bizet’s “Le Tragédie de Carmen” and Zemlinsky’s “Der Zwerg.”