- British Airways surprised its customers at London Heathrow Terminal 5 with a special operatic performance, celebrating its partnership with Wexford Festival Opera
- Wexford Festival Opera marks its 75th anniversary with a spectacular programme of world-class performances, bringing opera to theatres, venues and the streets of Wexford from 15 October until 31 October
As customers waited to board their flight to Dublin Airport, the gate was transformed by a live performance from acclaimed opera singers mezzo-soprano Helen Maree Cooper and soprano Iúnó Connolly, alongside British Airways cabin crew member Vanessa, bringing the magic and emotion of one of Ireland’s most celebrated cultural events directly to the airline’s London hub.
The performance marked the start of the 75th anniversary season of Wexford Festival Opera and was an early festival surprise for those travelling over to Ireland to enjoy Wexford’s renowned operatic performances. British Airways’ partnership with Wexford Festival Opera forms part of the airline’s commitment to supporting arts and culture.
The anniversary celebrations will involve a spectacular programme of world-class performances from 15 to 31 October. Since the first Festival of Music and the Arts took place in Wexford in 1951, the festival has grown into one of the world's leading opera events, attracting performers and audiences from across the globe.
Through this partnership, Wexford Festival Opera and British Airways affirm a joint commitment to artistic excellence, and to providing access to transformative educational opportunities for young people, students, and emerging artists throughout the 2026 season and beyond.
Hamish McVey, Director of Product, Design and Partnerships at British Airways, said: "At British Airways, we’re passionate about creating memorable experiences for our customers, both in the air and on the ground.
Bringing the magic of opera to Terminal 5 was a wonderful way to celebrate our partnership with Wexford Festival Opera and surprise customers with something truly special before they travelled."
Suzanne Nance, Executive Director of Wexford Festival Opera, said: “Wexford Festival Opera believes in the power of opera to surprise, inspire and bring people together. We were absolutely delighted to partner with British Airways to bring a little of Wexford’s magic to Heathrow Terminal 5, sharing the joy of live opera with travellers from around the world.
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, this special moment captured something at the very heart of our Festival: the belief that extraordinary artistic experiences can happen anywhere, transcend borders and create meaningful connections. What better way to celebrate Wexford Festival Opera's partnership with British Airways than by taking opera on a journey of its own to Heathrow!”
British Airways will be the lead production sponsor for Pietro Mascagni’s Iris, which is Wexford Festival Opera’s opening mainstage production. Iris is directed by the Festival’s Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi and its cast features both established and rising stars including Leyla Gu as Iris, Jihoon Kim as Il Cieco, and internationally renowned tenor Joseph Calleja - who first graced the Wexford stage in 1998 at the start of his career - as Osaka.
British Airways will also provide crucial support for Wexford Festival Opera’s education and community engagement programme, helping to advance music education in Ireland and nurture the stars of tomorrow. Wexford Festival Opera offers programmes for primary and secondary school pupils as well as members of the local Wexford community through its initiatives: Let’s Sing Together (free workshops in local schools, building confidence and creativity in children), Let’s Work Together (practical workshops for Transition Year students, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry and creative process), and Let’s Create Together (a Community Opera inviting Wexford residents to perform onstage alongside professionals, helping address the nationwide epidemic of isolation).
British Airways’ support of Wexford Festival Opera fits into its larger commitment to supporting the arts, culture, and arts education in Britain and beyond; other partnerships include London’s new Olympia entertainment venue and The BRIT School for performing and creative arts.
Notes to Editors:
About Wexford Festival Opera
Every October, for seventeen unforgettable days, Wexford Festival Opera transforms the historic Irish harbour town of Wexford into one of the world's great opera destinations, where forgotten masterpieces, rising stars, and the warmth of the Irish welcome take centre stage.
For 75 years, audiences have travelled to Wexford Festival Opera from around Ireland and the globe.
Founded in 1951, the Festival has earned an international reputation for rediscovering neglected operatic works while launching the careers of many of opera's leading stars.
Over the decades, some of opera's greatest artists have performed on the Wexford stage including Mirella Freni, Juan Diego Flórez, Joseph Calleja, and Ermonela Jaho.
Today, under the artistic leadership of Rosetta Cucchi, Wexford continues that tradition through bold productions, exceptional music-making, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
What makes Wexford truly unique is that the entire town becomes part of the Festival. Historic streets, cafés, theatres, and public spaces come alive with music as visitors and local residents celebrate together, forging lasting friendships and creating a sense of community that extends far beyond the stage.
Alongside world-class performances in Ireland's National Opera House, the Festival inspires future generations through education, community engagement, and opportunities for emerging artists, creating an unforgettable experience for seasoned opera lovers and first-time visitors alike. https://www.wexfordopera.com/
