Our Programmes
The National Opera House Education & Community Programme aims to engage people of all ages with the Arts so they can avail of the many benefits that participating in the Arts can bring to someone’s life and community.
A Celebration of Song and Story with St Bridget’s Day Care Centre
As part of the Bealtaine Festival 2022 and with the kind support from Wexford County Council Arts Office and Age Friendly Wexford, members of St. Bridget’s Day Care Centre worked with vocal specialist and community artist, Elizabeth Drwal and actor and musician Pete McCamley to explore songs which held meaningful memories to the participants. During their time together, the members were encouraged to sing these songs and share their stories which were inspired by the music. The National Opera House gratefully acknowledges the support of Wexford County Council Arts Office which funded the project at St Bridget's Day Care Centre in Wexford. Read more on A Celebration of Song and Story with St Bridget’s Day Care Centre.
Early Years Music Workshops
These very popular music workshops are specially designed for 18 month to 4 year olds and their parents/guardians/grandparents. Each 40 minute workshop is facilitated by two musicians who help our young friends discover and explore rhythm, pitch and the use of text in songs. Children and their carers also learn how music can describe sounds, feelings and help tell stories through interactive play. In the past, the Pre-School Music Workshops have taken place both in the National Opera House and in private venues across County Wexford. Keep an eye on our social media and What's On page for information on our upcoming programme.
Arts Appreciation Evenings
Every wonder how musicians came to choose a career in music and what life is like as a working musician? These interactive evening sessions for adults take you on their personal journey and are Interspersed with information about their chosen instrument(s), the history of how they are made and even some live performance and demonstrations. An opportunity for discussion between the musician and audience features as part of these talks in order to facilitate that sense of informality and information. In the past, these events have taken place in the in the National Opera House and most recently in the five libraries throughout Co. Wexford, for which we are very grateful to the Library staff for their support and enthusiasm for the programme. Keep an eye on our social media and What's On page for information on upcoming events.
Singing for Health
Your health is your wealth! There are many scientific studies proving that singing has extremely positive effects on your physical and mental health. So we’ve developed singing workshops, one for Adults and one for Children, to help improve your heatlh. Learn breathing techniques and improve your posture while joyfully singing in a group environment, without the pressure of singing individually or performing for other people. These very popular and fun workshops require no previous singing experience or the ability to read music. In the past, these events have taken place in the in the National Opera House and/or in various primary schools throughout Co. Wexford. Keep an eye on our social media and What's On page for information on upcoming events.
Online Music Education Videos - Musical Instruments
When the National Opera House was required to close its doors in March 2020 - we wanted to keep the music playing. So we commissioned a series of short presentations by some of Ireland’s best known musicians – all who have performed in the National Opera House over the years, including percussionist Noel Eccles (National Symphony Orchestra; Moving Hearts) and violinist Zoë Conway and guitarist John McIntyre, to name a few, so that we could stay in touch with you. These proved extremely popular and we have them all here for you to watch again. Our online video series is aimed at children of primary school age but are sure to enchant and enthral people of all ages. Watch the series on our YouTube channel.
Our Sponsors
The Education & Community Programme would not be possible without the generous support from Wexford Leader Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas, Wexford County Council Arts Office, Wexford County Council/Age Friendly Wexford and Wexford County Council/Creative Ireland.