No tragedy as local tenor takes to stage for Carmen
Local classical singer Eamonn Walsh is this week wowing crowds as the youngest member of the Irish National Opera’s production of Carmen. The young Mitchelstown tenor joined the chorus recently, which he feels shows some well-earned faith in his talent and ability.
The production is taking place all this week in Dublin and is a sell out. It was originally to take place in 2020, but was cancelled and rescheduled for this March.
“When they asked me to be a part of it for the second time around, I was very surprised, because obviously they must have thought that I was able to pick it up quickly because the rest of the chorus already knew the parts. I didn’t know it, so it was a very intense learning curve for me. That’s how you get better; being thrown in at the deep end. There were three weeks of very intesnse rehearsal. Full-on rehearsals for nine hours a day.”
Eamonn was also the youngest in the cast of Fidelio, which staged last November.
“I’m actually still the youngest in this production, which is mad, but it’s also very rewarding. To look around and see you are the youngest makes you think, ‘oh, I must be doing something right’. And of course, a big thing in this industry is the amount of contacts you make, so being in big productions like this is the perfect opportunity for me.”
On the hunt for a new vocal coach, Mr Walsh is looking towards London or Germany. Germany, in particular is rich in opportunity, with hundred of opera houses. At the moment though, he’s appreciating the experience of singing with some of Ireland’s most talented artists.
“It’s all about watching the best of the best do what they do.”
We wish him continued success.