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The Sligo Baroque Music Festival will commence on the evening of September 26, 2024, with an inaugural concert titled “Corelliana,” performed by the Vespres d’Amadi Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Dani Espasa. This annual festival, held in the picturesque city of Sligo, Ireland, celebrates baroque music across various forms, including opera.
Despite the expansion of opera and classical music in Ireland, the Sligo Baroque Music Festival has remained relatively under the radar. This year, OperaWire has taken notice of its intriguing program, which features a community opera and a performance of Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” To gain insights into the festival’s evolution, we spoke with Nicola Cleary, the former artistic director who has played a vital role in its development.
Origins and Growth of the Festival
Founded in 1995 by Rod Alston, a dedicated baroque music enthusiast, the festival has become a cultural staple in Sligo, a town known for its connections to the poet W.B. Yeats. Cleary shared that Alston was motivated to create the festival out of necessity, stating he “had no choice” but to bring baroque music to Sligo due to the town’s isolation.
The festival has remained a three-day event since its inception. Over the past 29 years, it has not only survived challenges—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—but also thrived, drawing larger audiences and attracting international artists. Cleary noted that many locals who had never previously engaged with classical music now actively attend and participate in festival events.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Although Cleary stepped down as artistic director after the 2024 festival, she remains an active supporter of the organization. Reflecting on her journey, she explained her desire to make the festival accessible to everyone. Under her guidance, the festival successfully featured high-quality artists, thereby elevating its profile.
One notable aspect of this year’s festival is the community youth opera titled “Murder at Midnight.” This production, created by local young performers aged 12 to 17, showcases their creativity and collaboration. Cleary emphasized, “It is their opera! We guide them, but they make the decisions.”
The festival will also feature an array of events, including concerts, recitals, and workshops. Highlights include a performance by the Woodpeckers Recorder Quartet from Sweden and a talk by harpist Siobhan Armstrong, who will also conduct a masterclass. The festival will culminate with a gala concert, “Viva Vivaldi,” at St. John’s Cathedral, showcasing local talent alongside renowned soloists.
Cleary expressed optimism for the festival’s future, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the founder’s vision. With incoming artistic director Sharon Carty at the helm, plans are in place to enhance the vocal elements and further involve the community through initiatives like a festival chorus.
The Sligo Baroque Music Festival, while modest in scale compared to international counterparts, plays a significant role in enriching the cultural landscape of the region. As it continues to evolve, the festival aims to connect with a broader audience through its diverse and engaging programming, celebrating the timeless beauty of baroque music.
