| Welsh National Opera - Cardiff | 27 January 2020 |
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The Cunning Little Vixen
Rigoletto
Carmen
Roberto Devereux
Die Zauberflöte
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Performance reviews
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The Cunning Little VixenWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
David Pountney's nearly 40-year=old production polishes up magnificently |
 3 Dec 19 / Oxford Mail |
In the pit, Tomas Hanus shows flair and mastery in Janáček’s distinctive idiom |
| 10 Nov 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Sizeable Llandudno audience rewarded with memorable performance of WNO’s Cunning Little Vixen |
| 6 Nov 19 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Welsh National Opera revive glorious Cunning Little Vixen |
| 11 Oct 19 / Opera Today |
Everything falls into place in WNO’s superb revival of The Cunning Little Vixen |
| 9 Oct 19 / Seen and Heard |
RigolettoWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Welsh National Opera's stunning modern take on Rigoletto |
| 29 Nov 19 / Oxford Mail |
Predatory power and privilege in WNO's Rigoletto |
| 11 Nov 19 / Opera Today |
A White House Rigoletto with some impressive voices at Welsh National Opera |
| 9 Nov 19 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Verdi meets #MeToo in steamy story of sex, love and revenge |
| 7 Nov 19 / Morning Star Online |
Fine singing but Verdi’s seminal musical masterpiece deserves better than this WNO Rigoletto |
| 5 Nov 19 / Seen and Heard |
Wonderfully sung and politically astute |
| 10 Oct 19 / The Stage |
WNO’s Rigoletto production now feels pointless and distracting, but is saved by its musical virtues |
| 2 Oct 19 / Seen and Heard |
CarmenWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Audiences will be divided on this modern day treatment |
| 27 Nov 19 / Southern Daily Echo |
Carmen is a thrilling watch for an opera first-timer as much as it is for a connoisseur |
| 24 Nov 19 / Oxford Mail |
Virginie Verrez captivates in WNO's Carmen at the Birmingham Hippodrome |
| 9 Nov 19 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
Tomáš Hanus’s conducting is a highlight of WNO’s new Carmen in Llandudno |
| 5 Nov 19 / Seen and Heard |
A new production of Bizet’s iconic operatic sizzler Carmen rightly arouses much interest |
| 13 Oct 19 / The Reviews Hub |
Welsh National Opera's powerful new production is a triumph |
| 1 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
Carmen becomes a gun-toting revolutionary gun runner |
| 30 Sep 19 / South Wales Argus |
Welsh National Opera delivers a Carmen for our times — riveting and emotional |
| 25 Sep 19 / The Article |
Can't tie me down |
| 24 Sep 19 / The Critics' Circle |
WNO unleashes free spirit on Brazil's favelas |
| 23 Sep 19 / The Guardian |
War and PeaceWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 23 | |
A work ranging from the intensity of personal emotion to the grit of national determination |
| 5 Aug 19 / Planet Hugill |
The cast are in beautiful sound and the set is dynamic enough to hold attention |
| 2 Aug 19 / A Younger Theatre |
David Pountney’s farewell flourish, War and Peace, held up well in its transfer to Covent Garden |
| 1 Aug 19 / The Spectator |
more reviews [+]
For all the faults of Prokofiev's huge opera, this performance was a superb company achievement |
| 29 Jul 19 / Planet Hugill |
Pountney feeds musical and visual values into the staging very successfully |
| 25 Jul 19 / Classical Source |
Welsh National Opera’s spectacularly successful War and Peace comes to Covent Garden |
| 25 Jul 19 / Seen and Heard |
A stirring War and Peace by WNO at Covent Garden |
| 25 Jul 19 / Opera Today |
Welsh National Opera comes to London to parade its wares |
| 25 Jul 19 / Bachtrack |
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) |
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 |
Roberto DevereuxWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Roberto Devereux en tournée au Royaume |
| 17 May 19 / Olyrix |
Some outstanding singing gives pleasure in WNO’s spidery Roberto Devereux |
| 1 May 19 / Seen and Heard |
Steam-punk & virtuosity |
| 1 Apr 19 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
A powerful and emotion-filled show |
| 31 Mar 19 / About Milton Keynes |
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 |
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: 8 | |
Une Magic Flute très britannique |
| 15 May 19 / Olyrix |
A refreshing and fun presentation for the whole family |
| 8 May 19 / OperaWire |
WNO’s scintillatingly sung and played The Magic Flute deserved a new staging |
| 29 Apr 19 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
The cast really do it justice |
| 30 Mar 19 / Citiblog |
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 |
Bowler hats and lobsters: WNO's surreal Magic Flute returns |
| 20 Feb 19 / Bachtrack |
Un Ballo in MascheraWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 14 | |
WNO’s very well sung Un ballo in maschera in Llandudno |
| 29 Apr 19 / Seen and Heard |
This production was full of energy and originality |
| 12 Apr 19 / Chew Valley Gazette |
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 |
more reviews [+]
Clever stuff, and often intriguing, but occasionally baffling |
| 8 Mar 19 / Opera Today |
Spectacular, ghoulish flair |
| 19 Feb 19 / The Stage |
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 |
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 |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Bizet
21 Sep 2019 to 7 May 2020
Verdi
8 Feb to 9 May 2020
Mozart
16 Feb to 6 May 2020
Stravinsky
9 to 13 Jun 2020
Bartok
9 to 13 Jun 2020
Rossini
10 to 12 Jun 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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