This documentary looks to the history of the Wexford Festival Opera since its formation in 1951. From the outset the Festival became one of the world’s leading opera festivals. Under its founding director, Dr Tom Walsh, the festival began a steady climb to international success which continues to entertain audiences to this day.  

The Wexford Festival Opera is an opera festival that takes place in the town of Wexford in south-eastern Ireland during the months of October and November and still takes place to this day. The festival began in 1951 under Tom Walsh and a group of opera lovers who quickly generated considerable interest by programming unusual and rare works, a typical festival staging three operas.

This concept has been maintained over the company's history under the direction of seven different artistic directors. From the beginning, the company embraced new and upcoming young singers, many of whom were Irish, but it also included new international names who made first appearances there.

Under its founding director, Tom Walsh, Wexford began a steady climb to international success. He was succeeded by a variety of talented individuals who maintained and expanded upon the festival's basic philosophy.

Produced by Marcus McDonald

First broadcast 24th October 1991

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