| Welsh National Opera - Cardiff | 20 April 2024 |
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Death in Venice
Così fan tutte
La Traviata
Ainadamar
Die Zauberflöte
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Performance reviews
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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 / The Star |
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 |
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 |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Mozart
24 Feb to 4 May 2024
Britten
7 Mar to 1 May 2024
Puccini
15 to 22 Jun 2024
Verdi
21 Sep to 16 Nov 2024
Puccini
29 Sep to 13 Nov 2024
Mozart
6 Feb to 6 Jun 2025
Various
1 Mar to 8 Jun 2025
Britten
5 Apr to 7 Jun 2025
News & Articles
| Welsh National Opera drops shows over funding cuts |
The company has said it will not be touring to Llandudno or Bristol early next year because of "increasing financial challenges". |
| 17 Apr 2024 / BBC News |
| Behind the scenes at Welsh National Opera’s Death in Venice |
Britten’s atmospheric, strange and beautiful opera, the last he wrote, comes to life in this new production from Welsh National Opera in a collaboration with No Fit State Circus. |
| 8 Mar 2024 / The Guardian |
| Welsh National Opera announces 2024-25 season |
The details announced include revival of Puccini’s Il trittico, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, two new productions, Verdi’s Rigoletto and Britten’s Peter Grimes and a new bilingual production to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of WNO Youth Opera. |
| 7 Feb 2024 / OperaWire |
| Donald Maxwell joins board of Welsh National Opera |
Maxwell has been a professional opera singer for more than 45 years. He made his debut with WNO in 1982, and over the next 35 years, he has given over 500 performances with the Company in 30 different roles. |
| 19 Jan 2024 / OperaWire |
| Welsh National Opera announces Interim General Director |
The Welsh National Opera has announced the appointment of Christopher Barron as Interim General Director. Barron will take over the role in January 2024. |
| 6 Dec 2023 / OperaWire |
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