Interview with Brian Irvine

Brian Irvine talks about his current opera projects 'Postcards from Dumbworld', which is premiered in Belfast during October 2010, and the People's Opera which takes place next year in Carlow.

Postcards from Dumbworld is a new chamber opera by Brian Irvine, writer director John McIlduff and designer Diego Pitarch.

Set in a bingo hall, with appearances from KGB agents and giant rabbits, this new opera follows the journey of several interconnected individuals -- their hopes, aspirations, magnetic oddness and fragile beauty. It is a world that is at once surreal and familiar; fueled by dreams and a quest for the moment when things make sense. Performed by an international cast of 24 singers and musicians, Postcards from Dumbworld takes place at the Grand Opera House, Belfast from 21-23 October 2010 as part of the Belfast Festival at Queen's.

In an interview with CMC's Jonathan Grimes, Brian Irvine talks about the background and idea of the opera, and the process involved in writing it. He also talks about his involvement in the People's Opera Project, a community based music project in Carlow led by conductor Fergus Sheil where the professional music team will work with the people of Carlow to create, perform and stage a new opera at Carlow's new arts centre Visual in May 2011.

Further information on Postcards from Dumbworld is available from the Belfast Festival at Queen's web site.

A podcast series on the People's Opera by Athena Media is available to listen to in iTunes

Brian Irvine was interviewed by Jonathan Grimes in the Contemporary Music Centre on 23 September 2010.

The views expressed are those of the persons concerned and are not necessarily the views of the Contemporary Music Centre.