Supported by a gift from Marjorie Gill

In collaboration with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Belfast Grand Opera House, WNO MAX commissioned a new opera, The Tailors Daughter, especially for the Youth Opera Groups. After extensive interviews with many writers and composers, Belfast-based Brian Irvine was selected as the composer and Welsh writer Greg Cullen as the librettist. Brian and Greg worked with both the Cardiff and Belfast groups, exploring ways of using the voice and techniques for creating narrative. The Tailors Daughter is a fairytale that will appeal particularly to young and family audiences.

The premier of The Tailors Daughter took place in the Weston Studio of Wales Millennium Centre on Friday 1st April 2005. It was performed by the Cardiff Youth Opera Group to great acclaim.

Composer: Brian Irvine

Librettist: Greg Cullen

Director: John Doyle

Musical Director: Timothy Rhys Evans

Designer: Rachael Canning

Review excerpts: The Tailors Daughter

April 4 2005

South Wales Echo

Astounding! That is about the only word to describe am utterly stunning performance by the Welsh National Youth Opera of the world premier of Brian Irvine's delectable 'The Tailors Daughter'.

Best of all was the privilege of seeing these young artists, engrossed and dedicated as they tackled with total success a piece concerning mortals, fairies and of course a wolf.

A work which deserves national exposure.

For more information about Welsh National Youth Opera click here.