An intimate and powerful meditation on memory, grief and truth, this provocative chamber opera composed by Tarik O’Regan with a libretto by Colm Tóibín adapted from his novella The Testament of Mary, unfolds in the final years of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Sarah Luttrell sings the role of Sister in Irish National Opera’s world-premiere chamber opera Testament by Tarik O’Regan, with a libretto by Colm Tóibín at the 2026 Galway International Arts Festival.

Creative Team

Composer Tarik O’Regan
Libretto Colm Tóibín
Director Rachael Hewer
Conductor Elaine Kelly
Set Design Francis O'Connor
Costume Design Joan O'Clery
Lighting Design Kevin Treacy
Sound Design David Sheppard
Movement Director Emma Woods
Répétiteur Aoife Moran
Assistant Director Chris Kelly

Cast

Mary Sharon Carty Mezzo-soprano
Martha Deirdre Higgins Soprano
Sister Sarah Luttrell Mezzo-soprano
Paul Oisín Ó Dálaigh Tenor
Marcus Ben Escorcio Tenor
John David Kennedy Baritone
Child Rowan Crowley