Largely ignored since its première in Madrid in 1896, María del Carmen is the stage work which Granados held in highest regard. Making use of the folklore, language and local instruments of Murcia, it is set in a rural village where a water shortage precipitates the mutual hatred of the lowly Pencho and the wealthy Javier. María del Carmen is notable for its refined and brilliant orchestration, the importance the composer gives to the orchestra, and the Wagnerian devices of self-quotation and thematic references to other works. Wexford Festival Opera is acclaimed world-wide for its courageous programming of neglected repertoire and its high production values.