It's now the first day of August meaning we won't feel it now until the big man is coming down the chimney delivering presents.
Okay, not quite but as usual in Ireland, it's best to make the most of any decent weather we get. With that in mind, Thursdays at the Wood Quay Amphitheatre over the next month are looking like a great chance to do so.
Dublin City Council is inviting people to enjoy some culture in the city with the return of Opera In The Open at the Liffeyside venue. Each Thursday from 1pm until 2pm, attendees will be treated to top-class performances from some of Ireland's most beautiful voices including Sandra Oman, Simon Morgan, Rory Dunne, Sylvia O’Brien, Owen Gilhooly and Mary McEvoy, who many will know from her high-profile acting career.
The full schedule for Opera In The Open reads as follows:
The Impresario by Mozart - August 1
A parody on the vanity of singers, who argue over status and pay. This performance is in English, so it will be easy to follow.
The Rake’s Progress by Stravinsky - August 8
The story is about Tom, a happy go lucky young man who is in love with a young girl, Anne, but Anne’s father, Truelove, has doubts about Tom’s character. Tom is resistant to get a ‘real’ job and instead makes a wish for money which leaves him lucky but puts his soul on the line.
Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti - August 15
The tragic love story of Lucia and Edgardo, members of opposing noble houses who are carrying on a secret affair.
Faust by Gounod - August 22
The story concerns Faust, an ageing scholar, who has devoted his life to studying. Feeling as if nothing has come of his devotion, Faust makes a deal with the devil to win over a beautiful woman… but it comes with a cost.
The perfect way to spend an afternoon in the sun.
People are encouraged to take a packed lunch with them so if you're looking to get out of the office make sure you're at Wood Quay at 1pm today and every Thursday throughout August.
