Saturday 10th June 2017, finally a show to watch tonight after a week off, as Cardiff hosted the Champions League Final. So tonight I’m at the Millenium Centre in the Bay, to watch the Welsh National Opera’s production of ‘Der Rosenkavalier’. The music was written by Richard Strauss, with the text from Hugo Von Hofmansnsthal. 

Tonight we have the welcome return of Rebecca Evans as the Marschallin along with Lucia Cervoni as Octavian. Such wonderful voices from both, filtering into this incredible auditorium, mixing the lyrics and music to perfection.  For me the first act was so beautifully done, it totally relaxed me, (after a hectic week at work), moving through so quickly, I didn’t even realise that 75 minutes of fabulous opera passed in no time at all.

Act two brings another fabulous voice in Louise Alder as Sophie, along with Lucia, it’s once again so beautiful to listen to them sing together during the act.  With the farcical scenes of act 3 brilliantly done as well it leaves us with another beautiful ending with Rebecca, Lucia and Louise singing their hearts out. 

A fantastic opera from start to finish. I also have to mention Brindley Sherratt as Baron Ochs who was exceptional along with the WNO orchestra who, as usual were just superb. A brilliantly powerful opera which I can’t wait to see again next week.