THE University Concert Hall will welcome Opera 2005 on Tuesday  September 30 for one night only one of Verdi’s most popular operas—A Masked Ball (Un Ballo in Maschera).

The Cork based opera company will visit Limerick for the first time to the delight of its well established opera audience.

Set to some of Verdi’s most passionate music, ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’ is a real musical feast, political thriller and love story all rolled into one.

Gustavus (the king), is in love with Amelia, the wife of his best friend, Anckarström. Gustavus seeks the counsel of Madame Arvidson the fortune teller, whose prophecy turns out to be deadly accurate when she tells him that the next person to shake his hand will be his killer.

Unknowingly, Anckarström enters and shakes the king's hand! Because of Gustavus’ love for Amelia, Anckarström makes a vow to kill his King and friend and the wheels of tragedy are set in motion. The murder takes place at a Masked Ball but before his death the king admits Amelia's unfaithfulness and forgives his friend Anckarström.

The wonderful soprano Cara O’Sullivan will return to UCH as Amelia in this production following her hugely successful performance with the ‘Voices of Limerick’ for their anniversary concert last year.

Opera 2005 has emerged as a successor to the ‘Irish Operatic Repertory Company' and ‘Opera South'—both highly successful companies that left a notable void with their closure in 1999. It was the selection of Cork to become European Capital of Culture 2005 which prompted the creation of Opera 2005.

Production commenced in February of that year when Figaro's Wedding was presented in Cork Opera House. This inaugural production was received with great praise by both audiences and critics and went on to be nominated for two Irish Times Theatre Awards.

‘A Masked Ball’ will also star Jeff Stewart as Gustavus and Conductor/Artistic Director is Kevin Mallon; Director is Tom Hawkes; Production Design is by Olan Wrynn; Lighting Design is by Paul Denby and choreography is by Sinead Murphy.

Tickets cost €42.50/€40/€27.50. Concessions are available (Booking fee applies) and for more information, call 061-331549 or see www.uch.ie.

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