INO Studio 2024–25 Announcement

The new arrivals for the INO Studio 2024-25 are mezzo-soprano Leanne Fitzgerald, tenor Cathal McCabe, baritone David Kennedy, director Grace Morgan, conductor Peter Joyce and répétiteur Ella Nagy. One artist from the 2023-24 studio, soprano Deirdre Higgins  will stay on for a second year.

INO Studio and Outreach producer James Bingham says " I am really looking forward to working with this year’s intake. We have a wonderfully talented line up of artists, some of whom will be already familiar to INO audiences from their work on past productions and others who are working with the company for the first time."

The INO Studio is an annual artistic development programme designed to nurture and mentor emerging operatic talent in Ireland. Each year, the studio artists receive intensive training, professional experience and tailored career guidance to support their professional growth. The programme is a core part of INO’s mission to ensure the continued development of opera in Ireland, with past members going on to enjoy successful careers on international stages.

Bingham continues "Now in the seventh year of the INO Studio, it’s been a real joy to see alumni go on to develop international profiles after graduating from the programme. Many of our former members have gone on to work in prestigious opera young artist programmes such as the National Opera Studio in London, Fondazione Mascarade Opera in Florence, Landestheater Linz Opera Studio and International Opera Studio of Oper Köln. Alumni have also worked in institutions including the Royal Opera House, Bregenzer Festspiele and Bayerische Staatsoper while others have returned to work in major roles in Irish National Opera productions”.

INO Studio artists also have the opportunity to work in INO’s productions, either in choruses, or understudying lead roles as covers. Non-singing members work behind the scenes assisting in opera rehearsals, gaining valuable experience and learning directly from leading artists and professionals in the field. Specially curated events and showcases allows studio members to demonstrate their skills to industry professionals and to the public.

The programme also offers mentorship from internationally renowned singers and musicians, and masterclasses designed to hone their performance and language skills. Vocal consultant Brenda Hurley, Head of Opera at the Royal Academy of Music in London, provides expert guidance to the singers throughout the year, shaping their artistic growth.

INO Studio members will also benefit from INO’s national and international networks, gaining access to opportunities and connections across the opera world.

This year’s intake brings together a talented group of artists ready to make their mark on Ireland’s operatic landscape and with INO’s support, they are well on their way to a bright future in opera.