First Manx language opera premieres at Peel Cathedral

The first opera written in the Manx language has had its premiere at Peel Cathedral, according to Isle of Man Today.

Composer Matthew Warren’s story weaves together three strands of island folklore. One is the Caillagh, a dreaded old woman believed to command the weather. Another is Hunt the Wren, the custom still kept up on St Stephen’s Day every year. The third is Tehi Tegi, an enchantress who, in legend, led hundreds of men to their deaths and was turned into a wren as punishment after being hunted down.

Isle of Man Today’s reviewer, Macy Tyrer, described atmospheric lighting and autumn leaves scattered across the cathedral floor. David Dawson directed, with the action staged in the middle of the audience, and Jason Gill designed the costumes.

Soprano Hannah Andrusier played Jinnee, a local woman who meets Tehi Tegi, while dancer and choreographer Sanea Singh played the enchantress, first disguised as the wren. The Talland Quartet opened the evening with works by local composers.

Bob Carswell RBV, who translated the libretto, narrated in Manx, with English translations shown for the audience.

The reviewer described the premiere as a “stunning performance” and said it was particularly fitting in the Year of the Manx Language.