Few of us could write an opera - never mind the first opera in the Manx language - yet the talented Matthew Warren has done just that.

If you aren’t familiar with the island’s folklore, the opera presents it in an engaging way, and hearing an entire opera in my home language was inspiring.

Particularly poignant during the Year of the Manx Language, it made me want to learn more of it!

Matthew’s story combines tales of the Caillagh (translated ‘crone’ or ‘hag’), a feared elderly woman said to have powers controlling the weather; the ancient tradition of Hunt the Wren, which still takes place annually on St Stephen’s Day; and Tehi Tegi, an enchantress who is said to have lured hundreds of men to their deaths and was hunted and changed into a wren as punishment.

Peel Cathedral, the home of the opera’s premiere, was transformed into a magical setting, with atmospheric lighting and (apt for this time of year!) autumnal leaves scattered across the floor.

Director David Dawson made effective use of the space; with the action taking place in the centre of the audience, you felt fully immersed.

The costumes by Jason Gill were exquisite and blended into the story perfectly; I particularly loved the Wren’s costume and how it transformed into the feared enchantress with subtle alterations.

The performance opened with compositions by local composers played by the incredibly skilful Talland Quartet, celebrating some of the Island’s amazing talent.

The beginning of the opera was gripping and suspenseful: the voice of Bob Carswell RBV, the translator of the libretto, told us in Manx the frightening tale of Tehi Tegi (the English translation was luckily shown for those of us who weren’t fluent!)

The performers’ talent was breathtaking; the voice of Hannah Andrusier (soprano, playing Jinnee, the local woman who encounters Tehi Tegi) filled the space with power and beauty.

Performing with such expression, it was impossible not to empathise with her.

You could tell that Matthew wrote the music after the libretto (the lyrics), as it weaved seamlessly between the words.

I particularly enjoyed the snappy rhythm used to sing ‘Tehi Tegi,’ allowing the name to stand out and leave an imprint in your mind.

Sanea Singh (dancer and choreographer, playing Tehi Tegi, initially disguised as the Wren) masterfully depicted the minute movements of an actual wren with astounding accuracy, and embodied the character’s range of emotions through movement alone.

The actors had a powerful connection, creating moving moments together, especially when Jinnee was comforted by Tehi Tegi whilst mourning her mother - I’ll admit, it brought a tear to my eye!

To close, Bob’s voice returned, warning that the Caillagh Oie, the ‘night hag,’ might still be out there.

As I left the cathedral in the eerie darkness of the night, I could almost hear whispers in the breeze of the island’s rich folklore…

Massive congratulations to Matthew and all involved, it was a stunning performance and the perfect way to celebrate what is unique about the island!

MACY TYRER