The Second Violinist
Sung in English with English surtitles
Duration: 1hr 15mins (no interval)
“exhilarating blend of opera, theatre and film… extraordinary…thrilling.” - The Guardian
A dazzling modern opera that tells the foreboding story of a life falling apart, The Second Violinist unfolds like an unnerving thriller driven along by a haunting and compulsive score.
Martin, an orchestral violinist, is consumed by social media platforms, morbid fantasies and violent video games. Seeking solace in the music of Italian Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo, his inner turmoil becomes ever more apparent as he searches for beauty in a dark, dark world.
“Monaghan’s Martin is compellingly realised in a riveting physical performance. Sharon Carty as the conflicted wife Amy...and Benedict Nelson as the murderous husband Matthew, are each superb” - The Arts Review
“It’s as exciting to see the vigour of the orchestra pit, particularly in the string section. There the violinists play nimbly, frantically and, refreshingly, with visible pleasure” - The Irish Times
“Innovating and absorbing” - The Stage
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH LANDMARK PRODUCTIONS
WINNER OF THE FEDORA – GENERALI PRIZE FOR OPERA 2017
Cast & Creative Team
| Martin | Aaron Monaghan |
| Hannah | Daire Halpin |
| Amy | Sharon Carty |
| Matthew | Benedict Nelson |
Creative Team
| Composer | Donnacha Dennehy |
| Writer & Director | Enda Walsh |
| Associate Director | Eoghan Carrick |
| Conductor | Killian Farrell |
| Assistant Conductor | Sinead Hayes |
| Set Designer | Jamie Vartan |
| Lighting Designer | Adam Silverman |
| Video Designer | Jack Phelan |
| Sound Designer | David Sheppard |
| Sound Designer | Helen Atkinson |
| Costume Designer | Joan O'Clery |
| Irish National Opera Chorus | |
| Crash Ensemble |
Performance History
Galway International Arts Festival July 2017
Dublin Theatre Festival October 2017
Barbican, London, Sept 2018
Opera Forward Festival, Amsterdam, March 2019
