Welsh National Opera
The Magic Flute , WNO, Wales Millennium Centre
Mozart’s most famous opera was once again brought on stage, but this time WNO managed to add in some delightful new ideas. Under the baton of Damian Iorio, the music was of extremely high quality. The loving couple of Tamino and Pamina were sung by Ben Johnson and Anita Watson. They both rendered their…
La Traviata, Welsh National Opera, Venue Cymru
Many regard Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviatato be one of the most famous and adored operas of all time, though with myself a true novice to opera it was interesting to attend this production by the Welsh National Opera with no prior knowledge or expectations of this opera. The first act had a clever opening which drew…
La Cenerentola, Welsh National Opera, Venue Cymru
I’ve been writing reviews on and off for 15 years – encompassing restaurant, theatre, cinema and music reviews – but I’ve never reviewed opera or ballet. La Cenerentola, Rossini’s take on the tale of Cinderella, was a perfect opera for me to start with. Angelina lives with her step father Don Magnfico and step sisters…
Rhondda Rips it Up!, Welsh National Opera, Pontio, Bangor
A riotous romp through the life of pivotal Suffragette Lady Rhondda Margaret Haig Thomas (played by Madeleine Shaw) is what was promised by Welsh National Opera, and indeed it was what was delivered too in their latest musical-opera Rhondda Rips it Up. The buzz in Pontio’s packed Theatr Bryn Terfel was enchanting as the all-female…
La Cenerentola, Rossini, Welsh National Opera
My second visit to the opera and what a wonderful evening. From the moment the orchestra under WNO Music Director Tomas Hanus played thefirst note, the pace and light hearted atmosphere was established. As the delicate organza curtain lifted, the oversized set added to the childhood memories of ‘Cinderella’ as a magical fairy tale. The…
La Traviata, Welsh National Opera, WMC
Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata is possibly one of the most famous operas of all times, containing a number of equally famous arias that would be easily recognisable even to the ear of the layman. This poses an additional challenge to the cast, called to match a degree of expectation from the audience that is likely…
War and Peace, Prokofiev, Welsh National Opera, Wales Millennium Centre
Welsh National Opera chose to open its Autumn season with what many may deem an odd choice: Sergei Prokofiev’s adaptation of War and Peace. In many ways a late opera, if not a post-opera, this monumental work was written in the last of the golden years of opera, and subverts many of the rules of…
Young reviewer’s view of Don Giovanni, Welsh National Opera, WMC
Don Giovanni was a beautiful production at the Wales Millennium Centre by the Welsh National Opera. The show was witty, entertaining and the vocals and acting was also wonderful. The show is sung is Italian and has English subtitles. It seemed that there weren’t any empty seats in the auditorium as the show was very…