Paint Rusalka

Sunday 1 March 2026

Unleash your creativity at Paint Rusalka, a special collaboration between Irish National Opera and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). This unique event invites participants to create an artistic response to Rusalka while listening to a recorded performance of the opera.

The afternoon will begin with an introductory talk on Rusalka and Irish National Opera’s new production, led by Grace Morgan, Assistant Director to the production, alongside members of the INO team. This will include an overview of the story, themes and visual world of the opera, as well as key musical moments to listen out for during the session.

Following the painting session, the event will conclude with a short live concert by INO Studio soprano Laura Aherne, featuring the iconic Song to the Moon alongside a selection of pieces from this season, accompanied by répétiteur Adam McDonagh. During the performance, judges will assess the artworks, with winners announced shortly afterwards.

• Who: Ages 16+ · Wheelchair accessible
• Materials: All artistic mediums are welcome except oil paints and solvents. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials and wear suitable clothing, as clothes may get messy.
• Prizes:
  • 1st Prize: Two tickets to Rusalka, pre-show dinner, one-year IMMA membership, and artwork displayed at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on opening night
  • 2nd Prize: Two tickets to Rusalka, pre-show dinner, and artwork displayed on opening night
  • 3rd Prize: Two tickets to Rusalka and artwork displayed on opening night
    Wildcard Prize: Gift voucher for the IMMA shop

Play Rusalka

Saturday 7 March 2026, 3pm–6pm
RDS Concert Hall, Dublin

In partnership with the RDS, Irish National Opera invites amateur musicians to take part in an orchestral workshop with INO’s Artistic Director, Fergus Sheil.

This session is open to musicians with experience playing in non-professional orchestras and ensembles. Participants will explore the Overture and first scene of Rusalka, with the orchestra joined by singers from Irish National Opera performing the parts of the three Wood Nymphs.

Play Rusalka offers a great opportunity to meet and play alongside musicians from other ensembles, delve into Dvořák’s richly lyrical score, and learn more about what it takes to produce a large-scale opera. The workshop takes place ahead of INO’s performances of Rusalka at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in late March.

Participation in the workshop is free of charge. Places are limited and subject to successful application. To apply, please fill in the application form by Friday 20 February. You must be 18 years of age or older to take part.

• When: Saturday 7 March, 3pm–6pm
• Where: RDS Concert Hall
• Questions: info@irishnationalopera.ie

Sing Rusalka

Sunday 8 March 2026, 11:30–14:00
RDS Concert Hall, Dublin

Join Irish National Opera’s Artistic Director, Fergus Sheil, for an afternoon of singing and exploration of Dvořák’s Rusalka, in partnership with the RDS.

Led by Fergus Sheil, this relaxed workshop will explore operatic singing techniques and bring to life the Wedding Chorus, one of the central moments of the opera. Participants will also have the opportunity to sing alongside professional singers from the INO Chorus and experience what it is like to be part of an operatic ensemble.

Participation in the workshop is free of charge. To apply, please fill in the application form by Friday 20 February. Confirmation of a place in the workshop and music scores will be sent in due course. Singers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome; all that is needed is enthusiasm and a love of music.

• When: Sunday 8 March, 11:30–14:00
• Where: RDS Concert Hall
• Questions: info@irishnationalopera.ie

Both the play and sing workshops are presented in partnership with the RDS.