The new Wexford Opera House, in Wexford, Republic of Ireland has won a prestigious OPUS Award for construction. The celebrated new opera house was designed by Keith Williams Architects in collaboration with the OPW (Office of Public Works) Architects.
The new opera house has been constructed in the heart of the medieval maritime town, on the site of the Festival’s former theatre. Though primarily conceived for the autumn opera festival, the new building is intended to operate as a year round arts venue, for both additional Wexford Festival productions and visiting companies. The award winning building was officially opened by Mr Brian Cowen TD An Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) on 5 September 2008, whilst the first opera took place in the new house on 16 October 2008 with a performance of Rimsky-Korsakoff’s Snegourchka (the Snow Maiden).
The award was presented today to Keith Williams Architects’ director Richard Brown accompanied by Ciaran McGahon from the OPW at the Plan Expo in Dublin.