After the magic of the 2024 Sligo Baroque Music Festival, we are planning a special celebration for our 30th anniversary edition, which will take place as usual on the last weekend of September 2025.
The highlight of 2024 was our own production of Purcell’s delightful semi-opera The Fairy Queen, thanks to special funding from The Arts Council, Culture Ireland, and the collaboration of a host of artists and supporters, including the Croatian Baroque Ensemble and London Handel Players. Of its premiere at the Korkyra Baroque Festival in Croatia, the online journal Baroquiades said:
“An evening of magic and enchantment, in a bold staging which updates Purcell while remaining true to the spirit of baroque. Mary Collins’s choreography captured the light, fantastic essence of The Fairy Queen, with a subtle comic touch. Purcell’s music was elegantly directed by Adrian Butterfield, and played with precision and sensitivity. The young Irish singers brought a refreshing energy and lively interpretation to The Fairy Queen, with an impressive mix of vocal talent and stage presence, and remarkable facility in playing multiple roles. The marriage of music, dance and innovative staging provided a memorable experience.”
To see the full programme, click on the image above, and other past programmes are available on the Gallery page. Make a note to be in Sligo to enjoy the 30th edition of the festival on 26-28 September 2025!
“I’ve played in many festivals, some of which have been musically fabulous, and others which have had an amazing sense of community and conviviality, but I’ve honestly never experienced one which had such an abundance of both.”
— Thelma Handy, violinist with London Handel Players
