Kilkenny Arts Festival officially opened by Taoiseach Simon Harris

The 51st Kilkenny Arts Festival was officially opened this Thursday evening by Taoiseach Simon Harris.

An Taoiseach opened the festival at a reception at Butler House and Gardens on Patrick Street Kilkenny this Thursday evening. August 8.

Speaking at the reception, Mr Harris said he was delighted and "genuinely honoured" to be invited to open the festival.

"Kilkenny is a city full of charm, full of character, a city that is steeped in mediaeval history, and it is only right and fitting that it is the setting for a festival that gives a platform to the arts." 

"Art is in our DNA, it's who we are as a country, who we are as a people and it's so important that we continue to invest in the arts and in our culture," he continued.

Kilkenny Arts Festival runs August 8-18 with a plethora of new projects & commissions, exquisite performances, new collaborations, intriguing installations and much, much more.

The programme highlights include Irish National Opera with the European Premiere of two operas from composer Emma O’Halloran – Trade /Mary Motorhead with librettist Mark O’Halloran; The Irish Premiere performance of DRONE MASS by Jóhann Jóhannsson, presented with Chamber Choir Ireland and Crash Ensemble; a new commissioned spectacle for Kilkenny Castle by Fictions Picture Company, directed by Jack Phelan and presented in association with the OPW; and a chamber and orchestral series that includes the Irish Premiere of Errollyn Wallen – Dances for Orchestra, commissioned by Orchestra in residence, Irish Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets on sale now from kilkennyarts.ie, or book by phone +353 56 775 2175, or in person at the Festival Box Office 76 John Street, Kilkenny.

You can download a pdf of the programme HERE .