Just returned from an enchanting evening of choruses and some solos and duets which showcased the wno chorus and an excellent conductor. The chorus grew in confidence over the evening and clearly enjoyed themselves, singing a couple of fine encores in English and Welsh. Chapeau.
In May 2025 we attended a shortened performance of The Marriage of Figaro at Southampton Mayflower theatre as part of my daughter’s Bronze Art Award. She thoroughly enjoyed it and would attend more opera in future.
Just heard them at the Hall for Cornwall performing Beethovens 3rd symphony. They are an excellent orchestra, but they excelled yesterday to the point I would say it is the best performance I have heard (and that is many). Well done to you all and look forward to seeing you perform again when next in Cornwall
Went to WNO's 'Marriage of Figaro' at Plymouth yesterday - honestly, this could have graced any top venue in the world. The cast were all excellent, well acted as well as sung, and the orchestral playing was much more than a backing group, with beautifully judged nuances throughout. An truly great evening.
The Magic Flute. Not bad.... The WNO orchestra were spot on. The cast could act and sing. Awesome stand outs were the queen of the night's rage aria and the papagaino and papagaina duet. However, it was an updated production that while good in places was interesting in others. For me the production went too left field losing the story line of the original. At times I was watching the scenary moving about the stage which distracted from the opera. Plus as the turn table which moved some of the scenery was still spinning when cast members came back on proved interesting. Which is why i gave 3 stars
Saw The Makropoulos Affair at Plymouth's Theatre Royal last night, and it was absolutely stunning in every respect. To be honest, I'm not the world's hugest opera fan, but I've been intrigued by the plot of this work for nearly 50 years so thought I'd grab the chance to see it. This is not a work you'd want to sit down and listen to on headphones, or even - I suspect - watch on a screen. But the vitality and vividness of the performances, costumes, sets, and direction were amazing. It's certainly a strange piece for sure, but the portrayal of a character gradually falling apart - sometimes comically, sometimes distressingly - was extraordinary. The end was devastating and brought tears to me eyes. A triumph both musically and dramatically!
Superb experience for the whole family at Play Opera Live. The only thing my mum and even me as parent find was the sound of orchestra and both soloists was too quiet. What a pity because they played and sang beautifully.
Excellent opera company who tour two seasons a year to selected theatres. We usually attend at Llandudno and performances are superb; usually some star performers, incredible stage sets and imaginative interpretations. Surtitles are shown in English and Welsh at Llandudno and in Cardiff.
Walking in to this amazing building to rehearse Fidelio. This opera company manages to combine superb professionalism with the ability to reach out to the community and involve the public. The productions this generates like the recent Rhondda rips it up are magic. Come and give opera a try. Maybe you'll start a lifetime passion.
Welsh National Opera is located at Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Pl, Cardiff CF10 5AL, UK
You can contact Welsh National Opera at +44 29 2063 5000
You can find directions to Welsh National Opera by following this map link