Northern Ireland Opera shines with Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin

Northern Ireland Opera has made significant strides despite facing financial challenges, staging Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin with a 44-strong orchestra for the first time. This production featured four local singers in lead female roles, showcasing the company's commitment to nurturing local talent. The performances, conducted by Dominic Limburg, achieved over 90% ticket sales, attracting many first-time opera-goers. The company operates with only four full-time staff and can manage just one main production annually due to reduced government funding, which has dropped from £14.1 million in 2011/12 to £9.7 million in 2023/24. This decline represents a 40% reduction in real terms, with current funding at £5.07 per capita, significantly lower than in Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Despite these constraints, the new orchestra under Limburg successfully brought Tchaikovsky's score to life, revealing its emotional depth and complexity. The production's success highlights the resilience and dedication of Northern Ireland Opera in the face of adversity. The performances not only demonstrated the artistic capabilities of the company but also emphasized the importance of local support for the arts. As the company continues to navigate financial difficulties, the positive reception of Eugene Onegin may pave the way for future productions and greater community engagement in the arts.