| Welsh National Opera - Cardiff | 25 March 2019 |
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Roberto Devereux
Die Zauberflöte
Un Ballo in Maschera
La Traviata
War and Peace
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Performance reviews
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Roberto DevereuxWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Killer queen |
 10 Mar 19 / The Critics' Circle |
Joyce El-Khoury shines as Donizetti's Tudor queen in Welsh National Opera's Roberto Devereux |
| 5 Mar 19 / Bachtrack |
Though not for arachnophobes, WNO’s Roberto Devereux is graced by some top-class singing |
| 5 Mar 19 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
A stunning revival for Welsh National Opera’s take on Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux |
| 3 Mar 19 / The Reviews Hub |
A hideous staging, but my, what singing |
| 2 Mar 19 / Telegraph |
Die ZauberflöteWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
It’s hard to imagine a more ideal Pamina than Anita Watson |
| 9 Mar 19 / Opera Today |
A most enjoyable performance of this well-known and popular opera |
| 3 Mar 19 / The Reviews Hub |
WNO’s limited The Magic Flute production gets redeemed by some excellent singing |
| 21 Feb 19 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Bowler hats and lobsters: WNO's surreal Magic Flute returns |
| 20 Feb 19 / Bachtrack |
Un Ballo in MascheraWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 12 | |
In essence, lots of lovely music to enjoy, but rather too much in the way of distracting detail on stage |
| 8 Mar 19 / Express & Star |
Clever stuff, and often intriguing, but occasionally baffling |
| 8 Mar 19 / Opera Today |
Spectacular, ghoulish flair |
| 19 Feb 19 / The Stage |
more reviews [+]
Dancing with Mr D |
| 19 Feb 19 / The Critics' Circle |
Make no bones about it: WNO’s forces are the best Verdians this side of the Alps |
| 17 Feb 19 / The Sunday Times |
Much to admire, musically and visually, in David Pountney’s WNO Un ballo in maschera premiere |
| 14 Feb 19 / Seen and Heard |
A tongue-in-cheek staging to be sure, but none the worse for that |
| 13 Feb 19 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Ballo II, the American cut: an indigestible staging by David Pountney for WNO |
| 12 Feb 19 / Bachtrack |
Mary Elizabeth Williams, as Amelia, gives a finely nuanced and musically exquisite performance |
| 11 Feb 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Terrific gory fun with pirates, witchcraft and murder |
| 11 Feb 19 / The Guardian |
A lively spectacle filled with punch and energy |
| 11 Feb 19 / Telegraph |
A jolly good show |
| 11 Feb 19 / Planet Hugill |
La CenerentolaWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Cinderella goes to the panto |
| 26 Nov 18 / Opera Today |
WNO’s enjoyable Cenerentola has a rare operatic happy ending |
| 24 Oct 18 / Seen and Heard |
WNO’s La Cenerentola is frothy and delightful, with some superb singing |
| 14 Oct 18 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
WNO’s La Cenerentola makes us laugh, think and feel |
| 12 Oct 18 / Seen and Heard |
Wit, warmth and vocal agility |
| 10 Oct 18 / The Stage |
“Once upon a time” |
| 9 Oct 18 / Bachtrack |
Welsh National Opera’s Rossini staging needs help but fine singing saves the day |
| 8 Oct 18 / The Times |
La TraviataWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
McVicar's Traviata is still darkly impressive |
| 26 Nov 18 / Bachtrack |
In her beginning is her end: Welsh National Opera's La traviata in Southampton |
| 23 Nov 18 / Opera Today |
No gimmicks just sheer professionalism from McVicar’s Traviata |
| 25 Oct 18 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
A fine return of a favourite work |
| 16 Oct 18 / ConcertoNet (English) |
This production from the WNO was incredibly well done |
| 2 Oct 18 / South Wales Argus |
McVicar’s Traviata for WNO tells the story well and moves an audience as it should |
| 26 Sep 18 / Seen and Heard |
War and PeaceWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 15 | |
Fundamentally, though all was not perfect and one or two choices were puzzling, the WNO showed it can be done |
| 23 Nov 18 / We left at the interval... |
A masterpiece gets a rare and vibrant showcase in the West |
| 26 Oct 18 / OperaWire |
A bold season opener |
| 12 Oct 18 / ConcertoNet (English) |
more reviews [+]
The orchestra under Tomáš Hanus is a wonder |
| 2 Oct 18 / The Critics' Circle |
A glorious vehicle for the Welsh National Opera Chorus |
| 26 Sep 18 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
WNO’s stirring production of Prokofiev’s unwieldy theatrical epic rewards ambition |
| 20 Sep 18 / Seen and Heard |
Ferocious intensity: David Pountney's new War and Peace at Welsh National Opera |
| 18 Sep 18 / Bachtrack |
Rendered with timely brilliance |
| 18 Sep 18 / The Stage |
Not quite a masterpiece but a great aural and visual spectacle |
| 18 Sep 18 / The Arts Desk |
An epic evening of music theatre |
| 18 Sep 18 / South Wales Argus |
A rare glimpse of Prokofiev's epic opera in a mammoth new production by WNO |
| 18 Sep 18 / What's on Stage |
This faithful staging of Prokofiev’s propaganda epic is as awe-inspiring as the spire of Salisbury Cathedral |
| 17 Sep 18 / The Times |
Whatever the constraints, Pountney and his team give us a grand four-hour show sung in English |
| 17 Sep 18 / Classical Source |
A magnificent production of Prokofiev's flawed opera |
| 17 Sep 18 / Telegraph |
Ferocity and passion in Prokofiev's rare opera |
| 17 Sep 18 / The Guardian |
Don GiovanniWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
A fast-moving WNO Don Giovanni keep singers and audience on their toes |
| 25 Apr 18 / Seen and Heard |
An intelligently directed production |
| 15 Apr 18 / The Reviews Hub |
This is a Don Giovanni as Mozart and Da Ponte intended, and would recognise and enjoy |
| 11 Mar 18 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
A memorable production |
| 9 Mar 18 / Redbrick |
WNO’s urgent and thought-provoking Don Giovanni |
| 28 Feb 18 / Seen and Heard |
The singers live and breathe the melodramatic spirit of John Caird’s very dark production |
| 27 Feb 18 / The Times |
Gavan Ring's Don Giovanni shows much promise |
| 26 Feb 18 / Classical Source |
A thrilling Don Giovanni at Welsh National Opera |
| 24 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
Has John Caird’s 2011 production improved with this revival? |
| 24 Feb 18 / The Reviews Hub |
La Forza del DestinoWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 16 | |
Despite the production’s limitations and gimmicks, musically La forza was memorable |
| 25 Apr 18 / Seen and Heard |
In the end, it’s best to just feel the force of the sublime music and song |
| 16 Apr 18 / The Reviews Hub |
WNO's Wheel of Destiny rolls into Birmingham |
| 9 Mar 18 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
The Welsh National Opera’s production was a spectacle |
| 9 Mar 18 / Redbrick |
La fuerza de Preziosilla |
| 22 Feb 18 / Mundo Clásico (Spanish) |
In the orchestra pit, Carlo Rizzi drives Verdi’s music forward with lyrical eloquence |
| 14 Feb 18 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
David Pountney stages one of his finest ever productions for Welsh National Opera |
| 14 Feb 18 / The Stage |
Say your prayers |
| 13 Feb 18 / The Critics' Circle |
The lead trio is wonderfully cast |
| 13 Feb 18 / Independent |
WNO's new production of Verdi's massive opera is a musical triumph |
| 13 Feb 18 / What's on Stage |
WNO’s new La forza del destino packs a considerable punch |
| 8 Feb 18 / Seen and Heard |
Conductor Carlo Rizzi brings about glorious musicianship |
| 6 Feb 18 / South Wales Argus |
David Pountney turns this notoriously cumbersome opera into a taut thriller |
| 5 Feb 18 / The Times |
Wheel of Fortune: Preziosilla spins Pountney's Force of Destiny |
| 5 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
A jolly good stab at this unwieldy opera |
| 5 Feb 18 / Telegraph |
Sprawling saga brought into sharper focus |
| 5 Feb 18 / The Guardian |
ToscaWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Claire Rutter is a suitably fiery Tosca |
| 31 Mar 18 / The Reviews Hub |
A striking new staging by David Pountney |
| 8 Mar 18 / Classical Source |
Outstanding rendition of Tosca from Welsh National Opera |
| 4 Mar 18 / Morning Star Online |
more reviews [+]
After 25 years, Blakemore’s WNO Tosca continues to serve the opera well |
| 14 Feb 18 / Seen and Heard |
An uncomplicated, thrilling Tosca from WNO |
| 13 Feb 18 / Bachtrack |
Puccini's popular shocker, well revived for Welsh National Opera's Spring tour |
| 13 Feb 18 / What's on Stage |
Conductor Carlo Rizzi knows exactly what Puccini needs and he draws wonderful colours from Welsh National Opera’s orchestra |
| 13 Feb 18 / The Times |
WNO’s Tosca has enough heart, guts and drama to enthral all tastes |
| 12 Feb 18 / The Reviews Hub |
Die FledermausWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
In general the production is enjoyable enough, but echt- Viennese it is not |
| 5 Dec 17 / Classical Source |
Musically, Die Fledermaus is thoroughly high-spirited |
| 19 Nov 17 / Bristol 24/7 |
It takes a long time for this show to truly seem like it’s getting anywhere |
| 14 Nov 17 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Sadness and loss, love and laughter |
| 11 Nov 17 / Wirral Globe |
Music and singing ensures this WNO Fledermaus staging deserves Llongevity |
| 3 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
John Copley’s production of Die Fledermaus retains its champagne sparkle |
| 17 Oct 17 / Seen and Heard |
From the House of the DeadWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 13 | |
WNO’s blazing Janáček and Tchaikovsky with quite a lot taken out |
| 4 Dec 17 / The Observer |
A choreographic tour de force |
| 1 Dec 17 / Classical Source |
Janáček’s score is played with aplomb by Welsh National Opera’s accomplished orchestra |
| 19 Nov 17 / The Reviews Hub |
more reviews [+]
Dazzling darkness |
| 9 Nov 17 / The Critics' Circle |
Rather a divided audience response for WNO’s from the House of the Dead |
| 6 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
The WNO Orchestra performed wonders under Tomáš Hanus |
| 4 Nov 17 / Classical Source |
An arresting From the House of the Dead at Welsh National Opera |
| 12 Oct 17 / Bachtrack |
Hugely powerful and strangely life affirming |
| 11 Oct 17 / Planet Hugill |
Janáček's dark and devastating opera brilliantly revived by WNO |
| 11 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
Welsh National Opera performs From the House of the Dead with unstinting commitment |
| 11 Oct 17 / Financial Times (via Google) |
Jolly? No. Unmissable? Yes |
| 10 Oct 17 / Telegraph |
Imperfect, oddly shaped and rough round the edges, Janácek’s final opera is also raw and remarkable |
| 10 Oct 17 / The Times |
Landmark staging demands to be heard |
| 10 Oct 17 / The Guardian |
Eugene OneginWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
WNO’s blazing Janáček and Tchaikovsky with quite a lot taken out |
| 4 Dec 17 / Seen and Heard |
A convincing and satisfying reading of this popular opera |
| 30 Nov 17 / Classical Source |
Natalya Romaniw and Nicholas Lester are both outstanding |
| 17 Nov 17 / Bristol 24/7 |
more reviews [+]
As musically adept as one would expect from WNO |
| 17 Nov 17 / The Reviews Hub |
Sadness and loss, love and laughter |
| 11 Nov 17 / Wirral Globe |
A very distinguished performance |
| 5 Nov 17 / Classical Source |
Some good singing and acting rescues WNO’s Eugene Onegin from mediocrity |
| 2 Nov 17 / Seen and Heard |
Though there is some fine singing, WNO’s Eugene Onegin doesn’t grip emotionally |
| 4 Oct 17 / Seen and Heard |
A magnificent Tatyana brings subtle anguish to Tchaikovsky’s romantic tragedy |
| 3 Oct 17 / The Stage |
WNO's 2004 production of Tchaikovsky's romantic opera, still powerfully affecting |
| 1 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
KhovanshchinaWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
This Khovanshchina shows Welsh National Opera at its absolute best |
| 2 Nov 17 / Classical Source |
Mussorgsky's great historical opera in an ambitious revival by WNO |
| 4 Oct 17 / What's on Stage |
Chilling, magnificent and unmissable |
| 3 Oct 17 / iNews |
more reviews [+]
Powerful and thought-provoking Khovanschina from Welsh National Opera |
| 28 Sep 17 / Seen and Heard |
The half-minute silence in the darkness of the theatre after the final bars of music says it all. Magnificent |
| 27 Sep 17 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Russian to destruction |
| 27 Sep 17 / The Critics' Circle |
Despite there being no Russians in the cast, the whole show is sung in Russian, and the difference to the vocal sound is incredible |
| 26 Sep 17 / The Times |
WNO's Khovanshchina is a thrilling portrait of terror and brutality |
| 25 Sep 17 / Telegraph |
Russia's tragedy becomes the world's in compelling revival |
| 25 Sep 17 / The Guardian |
The World's WifeWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Stunning one-woman show telling male genius where it gets off |
| 17 Oct 17 / The Arts Desk |
Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry anthology has been turned into a digital chamber opera — and the result is very effective |
| 17 Oct 17 / The Times |
The Merchant of VeniceWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Excellent team work from the cast |
| 30 Jul 17 / Express |
Neglected drama |
| 24 Jul 17 / Planet Hugill |
Welsh National Opera fascinates with Tchaikowsky’s Merchant of Venice |
| 24 Jul 17 / Seen and Heard |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Verdi
9 Feb to 24 Apr 2019
Mozart
15 Feb to 11 May 2019
Donizetti
28 Feb to 10 May 2019
Bizet
21 Sep 2019 to 7 May 2020
Verdi
27 Sep to 30 Nov 2019
Janacek
5 Oct to 28 Nov 2019
Verdi
8 Feb to 9 May 2020
Mozart
16 Feb to 8 May 2020
News & Articles
| Welsh National Opera 2019/20 season announced |
Welsh National Opera has announced its programme for 2019/20, with highlights including Bizet’s Carmen, Verdi’s Rigoletto and Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen. |
| 22 Jan 2019 / Opera News |
| Welsh National Opera announces new general director |
Welsh National Opera (WNO) has appointed Aidan Lang as new general director. |
| 7 Sep 2018 / Opera News |
| Le Vin herbé: It's Tristan and Isolde, but not as you know it |
Frank Martin’s chamber opera about the tragic lovers is the polar opposite of Wagner’s opulent extravaganza. The director of a new production explains how less is becoming more. |
| 17 Feb 2017 / The Guardian |
| Welsh National Opera announces 2017/18 season |
Welsh National Opera’s 2017/18 season includes the launch of a three-year Verdi trilogy and the premiere of an all-female ‘cabaret opera’ based on the life of Welsh suffragette Margaret Haig Thomas. |
| 11 Feb 2017 / Opera Now |
| Royal Welsh College and WNO launch dedicated opera school |
The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is to set up a dedicated opera school, in partnership with Welsh National Opera. |
| 10 Feb 2017 / The Stage |
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