Special celebration of Mayo opera icon
The international opera star will be celebrated on Culture Night in her hometown of Castlebar.
Mayo opera star Margaret Burke-Sheridan will be celebrated with a town-wide trail during Culture Night in Castlebar.
The Linenhall is co-ordinating the event which will see the county town come alive on Friday, September 19, with the Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail
It will see a vibrant evening of music, storytelling, exhibitions, and live performances celebrating Castlebar’s very own international opera star.
Margaret Burke-Sheridan (1889–1958), affectionately known as 'La Sheridan', was one of Ireland’s first great international opera stars and a world renowned interpreter of Puccini. Born in Castlebar, she studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London before making her operatic debut in Italy, where she became celebrated for her powerful interpretations of Puccini’s heroines. Her performances at La Scala and other renowned opera houses won her worldwide acclaim, making her one of the most remarkable Irish sopranos of the 20th century. At the height of her career, she was offered the title of Papal Countess by Pope Pius XI, who had heard her singing when he was Bishop of Milan.
Events will take place across multiple town centre venues and in unexpected spaces, animating Castlebar in a unique celebration of music, creativity, and identity. From intimate opera recitals to traditional sessions, from talks and readings to multimedia projections, the trail promises to surprise and delight audiences of all ages.
“We are delighted that with the support of Culture Night Late, we can bring these events to the very heart of our town,” said Fiona Neary, Co-Director of the Linenhall. “People can dip in and out, spend time at one event and move on, or decide to stay a while longer at a recital or performance. It’s an open invitation for the community to come together in celebration.”
All events are free of charge and no booking is required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
