The Irish Ring is made up of three operas. The first is set in Ireland, but was composed by the German born Julius Benedict, who was at the time based in London. He composed this opera, "The Lily of Killarney," for the Pyne-Harrison company in 1862. It was based upon the play "The Colleen Bawn" written by an Irishman, Dion Boucicault. "The Bohemian Girl" written by Irish born Michael William Balfe in 1843, and William Vincent Wallace's "Maritana" written in 1845 completed the ring.

It is interesting to note that "The Irish Ring" actually began being referred to as "The English Ring" sometime around 1863 when the Royal English Opera Company, managed by soprano Louise Pyne and tenor William Harrison were performing at London's Covent Garden Opera House. The "RING" refers to the three fully performed and orchestrated operas presented on three successive nights. Since the one opera was set in Ireland, even though the other two were not, the connotation of being an Irish grouping was attached to the three operas because the other two composers were Irish born. However, during the 19th century, most things Irish, and yet outside of Ireland, tended to be refered to as "British." The operas were performed in English, with "Maritana" and "The Bohemian Girl" being popular enough to have been translated into different languages.

Another touring company, The Carl Rosa Opera Company, also toured with the three operas on a fairly regular basis. Both companies visited the U.S. limiting their performances mainly to the east coast. In the early years of the 20th century, Irish tenors Barton McGuicken and Joseph O'Mara often took on the principal roles in the three operas. O'Mara had his own company. During this time, there was a resurgence of Irish pride which probably led to the renaming of the grouping to "The Irish Ring." These operas fell out of fashion in the 1920s, but it is interesting to note that "The Bohemian Girl" was performed in Lincoln, Nebraska just this year!

This editor wishes to extend her gratitude to Mr. Basil Walsh for his extrodinary knowledge and help in creating this article. Following is his link:
Britsh and Irish World

In the fall of 2000, Vivian Coates and Jim and Angela Molloy put together the Irish Ring in its current format for their National Concert Hall series, “From La Scala to the Met.” It was received very well, and by popular demand was brought back in February of 2001. It is wonderful that this rare and beautiful music is once again receiving the notoriety that it so richly deserves.

This is not a staged opera, but rather the presentation of the wonderful arias from each of Ireland’s three great operas: “Maritana,” “The Bohemian Girl,” and “The Lily of Killarney.” The five original stars of the Ring presentation at the National Concert Hall will be performing as America gets its first taste of the modern production. They are: Anthony Kearns-Tenor, Kathryn Smith-Soprano, Miriam Blennerhasset-Mezzo Soprano, Patrick Doherty-Baritone, and Derek Ryan-Bass. They will be backed by The Hibernian Festival Singers, and a full orchestra. A narrator will keep the audience informed of the story line as the singers perform.

The singer/actors will enact their scenes, they simply will not be a part of an entire staged opera. This means that Mr. Kearns will have a few loves scenes, and a fight scene, as well. The following lists the cast and the pieces which will be performed.