The Bartered Bride set for Ramor Theatre

Irish National Opera (INO) continues its 2025–26 season with a national tour of The Bartered Bride, Bedřich Smetana’s comic masterpiece, which comes to Virginia's Ramor Arts Centre on Saturday, December 6.

Set in a Czech village tangled in tradition, this fast-paced opera tells the story of two young lovers trying to outwit an arranged marriage and a meddling matchmaker—while surviving the chaos of a visiting circus.

Leading the cast is Irish soprano Amy Ní Fhearraigh as the determined Mařenka, with Russian-Ukrainian tenor Egor Zhuravskii as her devoted (but secretive) lover, Jeník.

Directed by Louisa Muller in her INO debut, the production features a new chamber arrangement of Smetana’s joyful score by Richard Peirson, who also conducts.

The show is rich with energetic choreography, vibrant costumes, and the dynamic charm of Czech folk rhythms.

The Bartered Bride features a cast of 11 singers and 5 musicians, and is sung in English with surtitles.

The tour visits seven counties—Dublin, Westmeath, Monaghan, Offaly, Leitrim, Mayo, and Cavan—introducing opera to new audiences across Ireland.

For tickets and info, visit: www.ramorartscentre.com