| Welsh National Opera - Cardiff | 19 May 2024 |
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Il trittico
Death in Venice
Così fan tutte
La Traviata
Ainadamar
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Performance reviews
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In ParenthesisWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 15 | |
A fine cast featured signal contributions from Andrew Bidlack and Marcus Farnsworth |
 1 Jul 16 / Classical Source |
Welsh National Opera perform a poignant tribute to the 100 year Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme |
| 13 Jun 16 / Redbrick |
In Parenthesis is a stirring opera and production |
| 12 Jun 16 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
A powerful act of remembrance |
| 18 May 16 / Independent |
While not perfect WNO realize Ian Bell’s highly ambitious In Parenthesis well |
| 18 May 16 / Seen and Heard |
A powerful act of remembrance |
| 16 May 16 / Independent |
Poetic tribute finds humanity in the trenches |
| 16 May 16 / The Guardian |
Iain Bell’s In Parenthesis adaptation is an enthralling, psychologically intriguing, evocative work of music theatre |
| 16 May 16 / Wales Online |
New Somme opera turns intimate poem into wide-screen epic with mixed results |
| 16 May 16 / The Arts Desk |
A gripping and moving world premiere from Welsh National Opera |
| 16 May 16 / Telegraph |
From the Somme's trenches: Iain Bell's In Parenthesis opens at Welsh National Opera |
| 16 May 16 / Bachtrack |
PagliacciWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Peter Auty gives an astounding, multi-layered performance as Cani |
| 11 Jun 16 / Broadway World |
Carlo Rizzi and the WNO Orchestra were on expressive form |
| 11 Jun 16 / Classical Source |
An evening of taut, no-nonsense drama |
| 9 Jun 16 / Independent |
more reviews [+]
Ultra-traditional |
| 2 Jun 16 / The Stage |
Mascagni/Leoncavallo double bill – a fitting way to celebrate WNO’s 70th birthday |
| 1 Jun 16 / Seen and Heard |
A nostalgia trip for Welsh National Opera |
| 31 May 16 / Bachtrack |
A WNO pairing with guts and punch |
| 30 May 16 / The Guardian |
Cavalleria RusticanaWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
The attention to detail in WNO's Cavalleria Rusticana is striking throughout the production |
| 11 Jun 16 / Broadway World |
Carlo Rizzi and the WNO Orchestra were on expressive form |
| 11 Jun 16 / Classical Source |
Ultra-traditional |
| 2 Jun 16 / The Stage |
more reviews [+]
Mascagni/Leoncavallo double bill – a fitting way to celebrate WNO’s 70th birthday |
| 1 Jun 16 / Seen and Heard |
A nostalgia trip for Welsh National Opera |
| 31 May 16 / Bachtrack |
A WNO pairing with guts and punch |
| 30 May 16 / The Guardian |
Figaro Gets a DivorceWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 15 | |
Figaro Forever offers pleasing romps and gripping stories |
| 12 Apr 16 / The Oxford Times |
WNO's Figaro Gets a Divorce: a memorable night in Bristol |
| 22 Mar 16 / Bachtrack |
Mélange of musical and production styles finds unity in Figaro Forever |
| 18 Mar 16 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
A fine idea realized very rewardingly in large part |
| 5 Mar 16 / Seen and Heard |
This production, although beautifully sung, was a disappointment |
| 5 Mar 16 / Redbrick |
Figaro gets a Divorce would certainly bear repeated listening |
| 5 Mar 16 / Classical Source |
Figaro’s progress |
| 1 Mar 16 / The Critics' Circle |
Figaro Gets a Divorce, almost, in Elena Langer’s stylish sequel |
| 29 Feb 16 / The Observer |
An atmospheric production |
| 24 Feb 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
A modern opera with emotional clout |
| 23 Feb 16 / Telegraph |
Pountney's gamble pays off |
| 23 Feb 16 / The Guardian |
Elizabeth Watts excels as Countess in both opera |
| 23 Feb 16 / Independent |
A farcical romp, an appealing and conscientiously conducted Figaro and a gorgeously scored new opera |
| 23 Feb 16 / The Stage |
A fearless and innovative operatic piece |
| 23 Feb 16 / The Reviews Hub |
WNO presents a brand new Figaro opera |
| 23 Feb 16 / What's on Stage |
Il barbiere di SivigliaWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
Figaro Forever offers pleasing romps and gripping stories |
| 12 Apr 16 / The Oxford Times |
Nasty business |
| 22 Mar 16 / The Critics' Circle |
Mélange of musical and production styles finds unity in Figaro Forever |
| 18 Mar 16 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Welsh National Opera's Barber of Seville underwhelms |
| 18 Mar 16 / Bachtrack |
The singing was top notch throughout |
| 10 Mar 16 / Welsh Daily Post |
The evening as a whole demonstrated well Welsh National Opera’s considerable strengths |
| 2 Mar 16 / Classical Source |
A farcical romp, an appealing and conscientiously conducted Figaro and a gorgeously scored new opera |
| 23 Feb 16 / The Stage |
A musical treat of Rossinian wit |
| 17 Feb 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Colourful but crass |
| 16 Feb 16 / The Guardian |
Welsh National Opera's The Barber of Seville is entertaining, fun and a very good night out |
| 16 Feb 16 / Wales Online |
Pure entertainment |
| 15 Feb 16 / Telegraph |
Le nozze di FigaroWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
A packed Milton Keynes Theatre witnessed a brilliant production of The Marriage of Figaro |
| 1 Apr 16 / oneMK |
Mélange of musical and production styles finds unity in Figaro Forever |
| 18 Mar 16 / Seen and Heard |
Of course, it would not be an opera if things went to plan... |
| 4 Mar 16 / Redbrick |
more reviews [+]
Tobias Richter’s direction is sparkling, fresh and above all faithful |
| 3 Mar 16 / Classical Source |
Figaro’s progress |
| 1 Mar 16 / The Critics' Circle |
Strong performances in WNO's Marriage of Figaro |
| 25 Feb 16 / Bachtrack |
A refreshing change from the directorial concepts occasionally inflicted on audiences at Covent Garden |
| 24 Feb 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Elizabeth Watts excels as Countess in both opera |
| 23 Feb 16 / Independent |
A farcical romp, an appealing and conscientiously conducted Figaro and a gorgeously scored new opera |
| 23 Feb 16 / The Stage |
WNO's The Marriage of Figaro was one step away from pantomime |
| 22 Feb 16 / Telegraph |
Whirlwind pace and slick humour |
| 20 Feb 16 / The Guardian |
A Christmas CarolWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A bravura performance by Mark Le Brocq in Bell’s A Christmas Carol |
| 23 Dec 15 / Seen and Heard |
Solo opera wrings heroic acrobatics from Mark le Brocq |
| 22 Dec 15 / The Guardian |
Sweeney ToddWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Welsh National Opera's Sweeney Todd is a gory delight |
| 21 Nov 15 / The Birmingham Post |
WNO’s gruesome Sweeney Todd brings madness to the musical theatre |
| 4 Nov 15 / Seen and Heard |
A grisly, but tasty, delight |
| 30 Oct 15 / Welsh Daily Post |
more reviews [+]
Serious audibility issues compromise WNO's co-production with West Yorkshire Playhouse |
| 19 Oct 15 / What's on Stage |
Razor sharp: a bloody Sweeney Todd at Welsh National Opera |
| 13 Oct 15 / Bachtrack |
A disappointing mismatch of musical and opera in Sweeney Todd |
| 13 Oct 15 / Seen and Heard |
Sweeney Todd at the Wales Millennium Centre concentrated too much on black humour and comedy |
| 11 Oct 15 / Wales Online |
Mrs Lovett steals murderous mish-mash of a show |
| 10 Oct 15 / The Guardian |
The operatic stage proves once again a perfect fit for Sondheim's great masterwork, impeccably served here |
| 10 Oct 15 / The Stage |
I PuritaniWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 17 | |
Conductor Carlo Rizzi swept it all along to the manner born |
| 19 Nov 15 / The Birmingham Post |
Gremlins hit WNO’s I Puritani in Llandudno |
| 2 Nov 15 / Seen and Heard |
WNO continues to challenge its audiences with innovative productions and I puritani was no different |
| 28 Oct 15 / Welsh Daily Post |
more reviews [+]
The evening would be a triumph whatever the setting thanks to the magnificent Rosa Feola |
| 21 Oct 15 / Gloucestershire Echo |
Gripping musical theatre |
| 12 Oct 15 / Opera Today |
A flawed but interesting production of I Puritani from WNO |
| 25 Sep 15 / Seen and Heard |
Irlandesa en apuros |
| 23 Sep 15 / Mundo Clásico (Spanish) |
Bellini finds a new voice in the heart of 70s Belfast |
| 21 Sep 15 / The Observer |
As good a treatment of a Bellini opera as we are likely to see |
| 18 Sep 15 / The Spectator |
Welsh National Opera’s confused update features exceptional singing |
| 15 Sep 15 / The Stage |
WNO solves the dramatic flaws in Bellini's problematic masterpiece |
| 15 Sep 15 / What's on Stage |
A courageous production featuring superb performances |
| 15 Sep 15 / Independent |
Rosa Feola shines in Welsh National Opera's I puritani |
| 15 Sep 15 / Bachtrack |
Bellini, gracefully poised in the Troubles |
| 14 Sep 15 / The Guardian |
I Puritani at the Wales Millennium Centre is a bel canto masterpiece |
| 13 Sep 15 / Wales Online |
There is some fabulous singing in Welsh National Opera’s new production of Bellini’s swansong |
| 13 Sep 15 / Telegraph |
Bellini's last opera partly relocated but it's the singing and playing that count |
| 13 Sep 15 / The Arts Desk |
OrlandoWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
Lawrence Zazzo gave a finely controlled account of Orlando’s descent into mental derangement |
| 7 Nov 15 / Classical Source |
Updating madness in Handel’s Orlando proves problematical for WNO |
| 2 Nov 15 / Seen and Heard |
The rather thin plot is rescued by Handel’s superb score and the singers relish its melodic brilliance |
| 29 Oct 15 / Welsh Daily Post |
more reviews [+]
Handel's Orlando given a lively update |
| 10 Oct 15 / Bachtrack |
Rebecca Evans was immense in her moments of anguish as she marked her 25th anniversary with the WNO |
| 6 Oct 15 / South Wales Evening Post |
1940's madness |
| 5 Oct 15 / Planet Hugill |
A game of three halves |
| 30 Sep 15 / Telegraph |
Handel's music as usual triumphs over silly plot dully staged |
| 30 Sep 15 / The Arts Desk |
WNO does full justice to one of Handel’s most fascinating and unusual operas |
| 30 Sep 15 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Welsh National Opera's Orlando is a pacy production which makes the eyes water |
| 29 Sep 15 / Wales Online |
WNO's musically restorative evening |
| 29 Sep 15 / The Guardian |
Peter PanWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 13 | |
As a whole the production is charming with some great ideas |
| 31 Jul 15 / A Younger Theatre |
WNO’s Peter Pan fails to do justice to J M Barrie’s tale |
| 29 Jul 15 / Seen and Heard |
Inventive Pan flies high in a treat for the whole family |
| 28 Jul 15 / Evening Standard |
more reviews [+]
Once again, this is a brilliant score from Mr Ayres |
| 27 Jul 15 / Opera Britannia |
Richard Ayres' Peter Pan comes to London |
| 27 Jul 15 / Planet Hugill |
All told the evening was full of admirable intent and ambition – sadly not realised 100-percent effectively |
| 13 Jun 15 / Classical Source |
Keith Warner’s staging has energy, is visually entertaining and well sung |
| 2 Jun 15 / The Stage |
Peter Pan joins canon of opera’s mythic narratives with mixed results |
| 27 May 15 / Seen and Heard |
Half-brilliant, half-bewildering |
| 22 May 15 / The Spectator |
Leaving J.M.Barrie dangling: High-flying Peter Pan at Welsh National Opera |
| 19 May 15 / Bachtrack |
This flat-footed operatic adaptation of JM Barrie's classic won't do Peter Pan's reputation any favours |
| 18 May 15 / Telegraph |
A misguided venture |
| 18 May 15 / Wales Online |
Too many loose ends, too many shortcuts. This doesn’t fly |
| 18 May 15 / The Guardian |
associated articles [+]
Keeping balance as Peter Pan
An encounter with Iestyn Morris.
An encounter with Iestyn Morris.
Peter Pan the opera: my awfully big adventure
Countertenor Iestyn Morris is recreating the role of Peter Pan in Richard Ayres’ opera for its UK premiere. What does it feel like to be the singer who has clocked up the most flight hours in Europe?
Countertenor Iestyn Morris is recreating the role of Peter Pan in Richard Ayres’ opera for its UK premiere. What does it feel like to be the singer who has clocked up the most flight hours in Europe?
Pelléas et MélisandeWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
In a word: stunning |
| 15 Jun 15 / Classical Source |
WNO triumph with sublime Debussy tragedy |
| 10 Jun 15 / The Star |
A memorable performance of Debussy’s elusive opera by WNO |
| 8 Jun 15 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
The remarkable score was realised to great effect by the WNO orchestra |
| 2 Jun 15 / South Wales Argus |
A compelling production of Debussy’s opera |
| 2 Jun 15 / Financial Times |
Spiral staircase and paddling pool |
| 2 Jun 15 / Bachtrack |
Welsh National Opera’s David Poutney adds layers of mystery to Debussy’s enigmatic work |
| 1 Jun 15 / The Guardian |
A many-layered new production of Debussy's mysterious romance from Welsh National Opera |
| 1 Jun 15 / What's on Stage |
This full-blooded production is riveting to watch but loses sight of the opera's essential mystery |
| 31 May 15 / Telegraph |
Musically this first-night was outstanding |
| 31 May 15 / Classical Source |
Die ZauberflöteWelsh National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Those who like Magic Flute with a strong element of vaudeville will not be disappointed |
| 14 Jun 15 / Classical Source |
Dominic Cooke’s dream-like surrealist production emphasizes pratfalls at the expense of profundity |
| 12 Jun 15 / The Birmingham Post |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
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: Wales' top artists criticise cuts |
A protest letter, signed by the likes of Sir Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Michael Sheen and Ruth Jones, has been sent to First Minister Vaughan Gething. |
| 7 May 2024 / BBC News |
| 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 |
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