The Irish National Opera (INO) has unveiled its ambitious 2025–26 season, with work spanning the heavens and the earth, the mythic and the rustic, featuring both celebrated masterpieces and ground-breaking contemporary opera.
With performances in 16 Irish counties, the season features six new productions, including a world premiere, a gala concert, a nationwide tour, and an outdoor screening, showcasing a diverse mix of themes from cosmic exploration to mythic tragedy.
Kicking off the season is MARS, a newly commissioned opera by composer Jennifer Walshe and writer Mark O'Connell. This satirical look at space colonisation premieres at the Galway International Arts Festival in July, before moving to Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in August.
The opera is co-directed by Walshe and Tom Creed and conducted by Grammy nominee Elaine Kelly, with a cast featuring Nina Guo, Jade Phoenix, Doreen Curran, and Sarah Richmond.
In September, INO presents Viva Verdi, Viva Wagner at the National Concert Hall. Led by conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, the evening features Irish soprano Sinéad Campbell Wallace alongside US tenor Ryan Capozzo and Norwegian baritone Yngve Søberg, performing classics of Romantic opera.
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly returns in November, starring Celine Byrne as Cio-Cio-San. Directed by Daisy Evans and conducted by Fergus Sheil, this co-production with Scottish Opera will run in Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Also in November, a touring production of Smetana’s comedic opera The Bartered Bride begins at Axis Arts Centre, Dublin. Directed by Louisa Muller, with a new arrangement by conductor Richard Peirson, this intimate chamber production will visit 15 venues across Ireland, several of them new to INO.
In early 2026, Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen tours nationally from Tralee to Sligo. Conducted by Charlotte Corderoy, it stars Amber Norelai and Jade Phoenix in a tale about nature and the cycles of life.
Dvořák’s Rusalka returns in March 2026, with Jennifer Davis in the title role. The production, directed by Netia Jones and conducted by Fergus Sheil, is a co-production with the Royal Swedish Opera and Nouvel Opéra Fribourg.
The season concludes with Bellini’s Norma in May and June 2026, in a production starring Georgian soprano Salome Jicia and Guatemalan tenor Mario Chang. Italian conductor Maurizio Benini leads this bel canto classic, directed by Orpha Phelan.
Additional highlights include an outdoor screening of Elektra at Kilkenny Arts Festival and Music, Magic & Mischief, a touring performance by the INO Studio showcasing emerging opera talent.
Find out more about Irish National Opera’s 2025–26 season here.
