Heralded by The Philadelphia Inquirer as “a fresh new voice in American opera” and by Opera News as “a born opera composer,” Richard Wargo based his contemporary opera “Ballymore” on a stage play, “Lovers” by Brian Friel. It follows the complicated romances of two couples living in Northern Ireland in the 1960s.

The first part, “Winners,” introduces teenage lovers Mag and Joe. When Mag becomes pregnant, the two face scorn from the community. Amidst the turmoil, they struggle to study for their exams and instead decide to row out to the middle of a nearby lake. Will they return to shore?

The second part, “Losers,” focuses on middle-aged lovers Andy and Hanna. The pair has trouble establishing a relationship under the watchful eye of an interfering mother and bothersome neighbors who do not approve of their union. Though they eventually marry, will happiness be theirs or will they be cemented as the losers of this love story? Fletcher Opera Music Director James Allbritten conducts.

Music and Libretto by Richard Wargo
Based on stage play “Lovers” by Brian Friel
James Allbritten, Music Director