Get ready for a thrilling debut as renowned opera singer Tara Erraught prepares to enchant audiences in Northern Ireland for the very first time!
A Star's Homecoming
It's surprising, isn't it, that an internationally celebrated Irish opera star like Tara Erraught has never performed professionally in her home country? Born in Ravensdale, nestled in the picturesque foothills of County Louth's Cooley mountains, just a stone's throw from the Irish border, Tara's journey to global acclaim is about to come full circle.
A World-Class Talent
Tara, a celebrated mezzo soprano, has graced stages worldwide, captivating audiences with her powerful performances. From the Bavarian State Opera to the Opéra de Paris and Vienna State Opera, she has left an indelible mark on the opera world. Now, she's set to make her Northern Ireland debut in Londonderry, and the anticipation is palpable.
An Inspiring Project
In an exclusive interview with BBC News NI, Tara expressed her excitement, revealing, "Sometimes it takes a truly inspiring project to make you fight for it." And fight she did, flying in from Karlsruhe, Germany, to perform in Derry, a city she holds dear.
A Wholesome Foundation
Tara's love for singing began at a young age, and a chance childhood performance revealed her true calling. She credits her grandparents for recognizing her potential, saying, "I could see the impact it had on them, and I felt this incredible power." From that moment on, she was hooked.
While this is her professional debut in Northern Ireland, Tara has fond memories of singing north of the border during her childhood. Participating in Féis, cultural competitions celebrating Irish heritage, in places like Newry and Warrenpoint, played a pivotal role in her development. "These wholesome performance opportunities as a child are so formative," she explained. "They teach you that public speaking and performance aren't as daunting as they seem."
A Rising Star
Tara's stock has risen rapidly in recent years, and her reputation precedes her. Known for her versatility and acclaimed performances, she has sung with many of the world's greatest opera companies and performed on some of the most prestigious stages. Despite her success, she attributes her foundation to the skills she learned through Féis, saying, "It knocked out any performance anxiety I might have had as a child."
A Special Performance
St Columb's Hall, a key venue for the annual Derry Féis, will host Tara's performance on Thursday. For Tara, this venue and the city of Derry hold a special significance. "The public in Derry are very famous," she said. "Conductors who have brought their choirs here rave about the open-mindedness of the audience."
The Derry audience is in for a real treat, as Tara promises a gala filled with opera's greatest hits. This event is the brainchild of Derry native Darren Hargan, founder and artistic director of the international orchestra, Le Foyer des Artistes. When Darren approached Tara, she knew she had to be a part of it.
A Busy Start to 2026
After her performance in Derry, Tara will head back to Germany for rehearsals before spending Christmas with family in the US. The first eight months of 2026 are already packed with exciting projects, including a run of Don Giovanni in Dresden, followed by The Barber of Seville in Berlin, and then a collaboration with her idol, Cecilia Bartoli, in Rossini's Il viaggio a Reims in Salzburg. "Cecilia Bartoli is my Beyoncé, I'm a total fangirl!" Tara exclaimed.
Tara sees her busy schedule as a blessing, especially after the challenges of the COVID era. "Long may it continue, because COVID taught me how quickly things can change," she reflected.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for a night of musical magic as Tara Erraught makes her long-awaited Northern Irish debut!
