Upcoming events
Friends of the Vocal Arts will once again host our
Summer Festival of Opera
Sunday 25th June & Sunday 2nd July 2023 at 3pm
The Orangery in Killruddery House, Bray, Co Wicklow
This wonderful fusion of opera and music, combined with the magical setting of Killruddery House and Gardens, has provided memorable occasions for many of us including Ronnie, her young students and you her loyal supporters. These concerts, as with all of our events, will raise funds towards the organisation and hosting of the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition and to help our young singers in development of their careers. We continue to work toward the future in securing Ronnie’s legacy going forward.
The Programme is currently being finalised but the performers will include Ava Dodd, Deirdre Higgins, Megan O’Neill (sopranos), Anna-Helena MacLachlan (mezzo-soprano), Dylan Rooney (baritone) and Sean Tester (tenor). These young singers are excited to have this performance opportunity in the prestigious Orangery at Killruddery. Ava and Anna-Helena were both winners in the first Veronica Dunne Bursary for young Irish singers and Anna-Helena and Sean Tester competed well in the 10th Competition last August.
Mairead Hurley and Dearbhla Collins will accompany the singers on piano.
Book tickets for €75 per person, which will include wine and canapés during the interval. We hope you will be able to join us for this special afternoon and continue your much valued support. We promise you a wonderful afternoon of opera in Killruddery House & Gardens and look forward to welcoming you back again.
To purchase tickets please:
Online via Eventbrite.ie
Email vdiscompetition@gmail.com
Tel. Laura Aherne on 083 8802785 or contact any of the Committee member
Past events
Gala Dinner for Opera Lovers
14th February 2023, 7PM
Kings Inns, Dublin
Our Gala Dinner event promises to be a fantastic operatic experience, featuring soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson, bass-baritone Rory Dunne and pianist Mairead Hurley. For further information and to book your table, email us at vdiscompetition@gmail.com. Dress to impress in Black Tie for this special evening.
10th Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition
25–30 August 2022
NATIONAL CONCERT HALL, DUBLIN
The Friends of the Vocal Arts Committee, hosts of the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition, are proud to present the 10th competition at the end of August 2022.
Opera is back!
19Th September 2021, 3PM
KILLRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS, WICKLOW
Join us for an afternoon of operatic arias and ensembles featuring an exciting cast of singers: Rachel Croash, Gemma Ni Bhriain, Patrick Hyland, Rory Musgrave with Mairead Hurley, piano. To book tickets and for further information, call +35314150445 or email us at vdisc@griffith.ie
‘100 Days of Walking into Covid’ Exhibition
24, 27, 28 July 10am–4pm
RIAI, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin
The exhibition ‘100 Days of Walking into COVID’ includes 100 Paintings completed from January – July 2020 in and around Dublin by Caitriona Shaffrey MRIAI. This a record of the city during lockdown. All proceeds in aid of the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition.
An Audience with Tara Erraught
14 FEBRUARY 2021
ORGANISED BY FRIENDS OF THE VOCAL ARTS
Zoom chat with Tara Erraught, mezzo soprano, in conversation with Dearbhla Collins on her career and performances.
Opera Online at Killruddery House
SUNDAY 12th July 2020, 3PM
Watch online – Broadcast from KILLRUDDERY HOUSE
This year’s summer operatic event goes digital! Our fundraising concert is broadcast from The Orangery at Killruddery House, featuring Rachel Croash soprano, Gemma Ní Bhriain mezzo-soprano, Gavan Ring tenor, Rory Musgrave baritone, and pianist Dearbhla Collins. From Bizet to Verdi, and including favourites by Gounod, Puccini and Mozart, the diverse programme reflects the impressive range of the singers. From the safety and comfort of your home, enjoy gorgeous opera arias and ensembles performed by these immensely talented artists.
Gala Dinner for Opera Lovers
14th February 2020, 7PM
Kings Inns, Dublin
Our Gala Dinner event promises to be a fantastic operatic experience, featuring soprano Ioana Pipelea, tenor Patrick Hyland and pianist Dearbhla Collins. For further information and to book your table, email us at vdisc@griffith.ie, call Lydia Ackermann on 014163345 or call Natalie Marr on 014150445. Dress to impress in Black Tie for this special evening.
Christmas Opera Magic Concert
7th December 2019, 8PM
Pillar Room, Rotunda Foundation
Our magical Christmas Concert features Leah Redmond (soprano), Ava Dodd (soprano), Aebh Kelly (mezzo-soprano), Luis Magallanes (tenor), David Howes (baritone) and pianist Dearbhla Collins. To book tickets and for further information, call +35314150445 or email us at vdisc@griffith.ie
Summer Festival of Opera
14Th JULY 2019, 3PM
KILLRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS, WICKLOW
Join us for an afternoon of operatic arias and ensembles featuring an exciting cast of singers to be announced soon. To book tickets and for further information, call +35314150445 or email us at vdisc@griffith.ie
Summer Festival of Opera
7th JULY 2019, 3PM
KILLRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS, WICKLOW
Join us for an afternoon of operatic arias and ensembles featuring an exciting cast of singers to be announced soon. To book tickets and for further information, call +35314150445 or email us at vdisc@griffith.ie
2019 Competition Final
31st January 2019
NCH Main Auditorium, Dublin
Join us for this momentous occasion as our six finalists compete for the grand title of our prestigious vocal award.
Gala Dinner in King’s Inns
30th January 2019
King’s Inns, Dublin
Our Gala Dinner promises to be a fantastic operatic experience. For further information and to book your table, email us at vdisc@griffith.ie
2019 Competition Rounds
25–29th January 2019
NCH, Dublin
Hear some of the world’s most promising young voices at our week of Competition Rounds in the run up to our grand Final.
Veronica Dunne turns 91
A Celebratory Concert
1st September 2018 at 8pm
NCH, Main Auditorium, Dublin
Join us for an evening of operatic arias and ensembles featuring artists Miriam Murphy, soprano, Young Woo Kim, tenor, Leah Redmond, soprano, Gemma Ní Bhriain, mezzo soprano and Robert McAllister, bass baritone with the head of music at La Scala Milan, James Vaughan, at the piano.
RULES
Read our rules and eligibility
JURY
Meet the 2022 competition jury
PRIZES
We award prizes to all finalists
FAQS
Find answers in our helpful FAQs