Opera volunteer nominations

NOMINATIONS opened today (Tuesday) for the Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year Award coinciding with the first day of rehearsals for this year’s international event.

Now in its 67th year, Wexford Festival Opera was founded and initially run entirely as a voluntary organisation and volunteerism remains at the heart of its continued success.

The award seeks to recognise the contribution of festival volunteers of whom there are more than 300 living locally, nationally and internationally who come from all backgrounds and professions.

What they have in common is that they generously give their time, talents and energy to various aspects of the festival including front-of-house, bars, cloakroom, patron care, backstage, wardrobe and artist transportation.

The award is sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance and this year, the winner will be recognised at an award presentation taking place on the stage of the National Opera House on Tuesday, October 16, before the first public dress rehearsal of the double bill of ‘L’oracolo and Mala Vita.

Anyone can nominate a Wexford Festival Opera volunteer and patrons are encouraged to participate in the nominations.

Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding contribution to the festival – this could be by volunteering during the festival itself or at any time during the year, to promote, fundraise or develop the festival as an organisation and event.

To submit a nomination visit wexfordopera.com.

The closing date for online and written nominations is Sunday, October 7.