The WhistleBlast Quartet, in collaboration with Galway group That’s Life, will present the world premiere of Mr President, a groundbreaking new opera, in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre next Friday, June 21.

That’s Life is an award-winning arts programme for adults with intellectual disabilities in Galway, and its members will have leading roles in the opera, performing alongside musicians from the WhistleBlast Quartet.

It’s first time an opera featuring adults with intellectual disabilities in leading roles, has been produced in Ireland.

They’ll be accompanied by musicians from Limerick’s Ceol na Mara Youth Orchestra for thi production which will also feature renowned mezzo-soprano Catherine Donnelly and acclaimed Galway jazz guitarist Aengus Hackett.

This unique opera, full of power and protest, will feature a score composed and performed by participants of That’s Life and will include original gamelan music led by its programme leader Andrew Madec, as well as a shadow puppet visual created by the That’s Life team.

The WhistleBlast Quartet comprises Mary Curran on horn, Kenneth Edge on sax and clarinet, Oonagh Keogh on violin and Conor Linehan on piano.  Mary is producing the opera, which is directed by Maisie Lee, with musical arrangements by Kenneth Edge and Conor Linehan as Musical Director.

Mr President will receive its first ever performance in the Town Hall Theatre and Conor says both groups are looking forward to presenting it to Galway audiences.

Describing Mr President as “a story of hope and courage over inequality and repression”, he says That’s Life and WhistleBlast are “immensely proud of our talented multigenerational participants”.

The opera will include Lámh signing, making it accessible for people with communication difficulties.

Mr President is at the Town Hall Theatre next Friday, June 21, at 7pm. Tickets are €10/5 from tht.ie, 091-569777 or at the box office.

See www.whistleblastquartet.com for more information.