Saturday 17th September 2016 back at the Millenium Centre in the beautiful,sunny Cardiff bay, for another performance of the Welsh National Opera’s production of Macbeth. Arrived here so early today, taking the opportunity to take a few photo’s around the area and just to chill and relax for a few hours in the fantastic surroundings that is Cardiff Bay.

Really looking forward to tonight’s show and another opportunity to listen to the amazing voice of Mary Elizabeth Williams as Lady Macbeth, along with the rest of the cast and chorus, this makes a very impressive evenings entertainment.  

The sets used by the WNO have been very creative, with tonight’s being no exception. A sloping floor allows hidden characters to appear on stage when needed, with room to hold a large chorus and cast in its surroundings on this huge stage at the Centre. As there are quite a few scene changes throughout, the set layout helps it’s swift changes between scenes, and looks good to go with it.

Yet again another fabulous performance from the whole company. Luis Cansino (Macbeth), and Miklos Sebestyen (Banquo), are just superb,and then we have Lady Macbeth (Mary Elizabeth Williams), who just takes the singing to another level. Truly magnificent and a real joy to listen to. The chorus and orchestra are again brilliant (as usual. I always mention this after every performance, but it’s so true, you have to be there to experience the brilliance of it all). 

Both acts are amazing, and still two shows aren’t enough for me, I have to see this opera yet one more time, while its still in Cardiff. The last one for me is next Saturday, I would urge anyone reading this blog to see this opera, just to hear the fabulous voices on show,and the sheer power of Mary Elizabeth Williams, I can guarantee, you will not be disappointed.

Friday 16th September 2016 and a day off from work. In Cardiff bay early today, looking to take some photos  around the area, before watching the Welsh National Opera’s production of ‘Merchant of Venice’ at the Millenium Centre. Another opera I have never seen before, so yet again the chance arises to see something new, to add to my growing list of amazing performances at the Centre.

Another Shakespeare play made into an opera with music written by Andre Tchaikowsky and libretto by John O’Brien. I think everyone knows the story of the merchant of Venice, where Bassanio wants money to Persue the wealthy Portia, and enlists the help of Antonio to borrow money off Shylock, who insists that if the money cannot be repaid in time Antonio must forfeit a pound of flesh. When Antonio cannot pay, Portia disguised as a male lawyer defeats Shylock in court, letting Antonio off the hook for his forfeit.

The main cast consists of Antonio (the merchant) played by Martin Wolfel. Bassanio (Antonio’s friend) Mark Le Brocq. Shylock by Lester Lynch and Portia  played by Sarah Castle. The first act is split into two scenes. Scene one is quite dark, and appropriately so,as Antonio and Shylock seal the pact. The music is interspersed with melodic tones and harsher notes as the original play suggests. The end of scene one has Shylocks daughter (Jessica played by Lauren Michelle) escaping Shylocks home to run off with Lorenzo (Bruce Sledge). Scene two is more comical with several suitors at Portia’s home vying for her love, of course Bassanio wins. Fabulous performances from Portia (Sarah Castle) and her companion Nerissa (Verena Gunz) help make this section amazing, leading to the end of act one. 

Act two gives us the infamous courtroom scene where Portia and her companion disguise themselves as lawyers and win through. Another fabulous section of voices from all the cast in that scene. Leading us to the final scene as Portia and Nerissa try to trick their respective husbands. Again some fabulous voices coming through for this scene as well. Credit must also be given to the orchestra, who handled this complicated score with apparent ease. Showing just how brilliant they are every time.

On the whole I really enjoyed the opera. With amazing performances from all the cast, Chorus and orchestra in this fantastic theatre. As usual I’m going home a very happy man. Back tomorrow for more opera. 

Saturday 10th September 2016, after my excursion to the dizzy heights of the New Theatre, Cardiff. I’m back at the Millenium Centre for my first performance of ‘Macbeth’ from the Welsh National Opera company.  I cannot wait to hear this seasons foray into the world of opera. Having not seen any of these before, it’s another new experience for me, with three more operas to add to the growing list I have seen already.  I would like to see as many different operas as I possibly can over the next decade or so, hopefully seeing them with one of the best companies in the world today. That, of course, would have to be the Welsh National Opera, in my opinion. 

From the start of the opera the music and the singing from the witches and the chorus was just sublime, followed by Macbeth, played by Luis Cansino and Banquo, by Miklos Sebestyen, who were equally amazing. Then, for me, the star voice of the whole opera, Mary Elizabeth Williams as Lady Macbeth. If Carrie Hope Fletcher was the best voice I’d ever heard In a musical, then Mary Elizabeth Williams has to be the best voice I’ve heard in an opera by far. Her control and sheer power of her voice is just magnificent, it made me cry (as usual) just listening to her. At one stage her voice could be heard above that of the chorus and the orchestra, pretty amazing and sheer bliss to hear. 

The opera itself shocked me, as I was not expecting it to be as good as it actually was. I was mesmerised throughout, with amazing performances from all the cast. Not to mention the wonderful WNO Orchestra who again were just superb, under the baton of Andriy Yerkevych. 

Of course Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare, with the music by Guiseppe Verdi, and very pleasing to the ear to go with it. From start to finish this opera commanded my utmost attention, I couldn’t keep my eyes and ears off the stage, even for a split second. It was brilliant. With a fitting ovation at the end for Mary Elizabeth Williams, as the audience appreciated such a wonderful performance with the biggest and loudest cheers of all, and may I say totally deserving. I am definitely watching this show again before it leaves Cardiff for the customery tour. I will probably mention a little bit more about this fantastic opera at the next showing I see. Can’t put everything in this time, won’t have anything new to mention in my next blog.

Back yet again to the Millenium Centre here in Cardiff Bay. It’s Saturday 27th August 2016 and I’m here for a single viewing of the Mandela Trilogy. Staged by the Cape Town Opera and the Wales Millenium Centre. As it is only here for 4 days this is the one and only chance I have to view this production, which is a real shame, I like to see shows a few times just to get the feel of them.

Of course we now have Opera season when the company of the Welsh National Opera take over the Centre for a month, with some really good looking shows to see, and some amazing singing, no doubt, also another chance to listen to that fabulous orchestra live in Cardiff.

And so onto tonight’s performance. The story of Nelson Mandela told in Three acts, from his youth in the late 30’s / early 40,s covering act one. In act two we move to 1955 where Mandela becomes heavily involved with the protests and speeches concerning the draconian laws of the ruling government. Finally to act three, set between 1960 and 1994 during his incarceration in prison, and subsequent release. 

Act one started with some Authentic African tribal dancing and singing as Mandela is growing up and becoming part of the tribe. Some fabulous singing throughout and a great start to the show. We also had the young Mandela In Thato Machona, a great performance and traditional tribal dancing really made the act come alive.

The second act Jazz 50’s style with the middle Mandela, played by Peace R. Nzirawa, who was amazing and a fantastic voice to go with it. Such a different feel  to the show and really made a difference. With some great dancing to move the act on, but also some brilliant singing from the whole cast. 

Act three, back to traditional opera with the older Mandela, played by Mandla Mndebele. Who also narrates a lot of the show. Again the singing in this section was just sublime from all the cast. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra were also superb, playing this wonderful music to perfection. 

The whole cast and orchestra were immense throughout and I have to say I really enjoyed this Opera. My only regret is that I only saw it once, I could have watched this over and over again. It was just brilliant. Looking forward to seeing the Cape Town Opera back for another new show next year. And I also must say a big mention to the fantastic production team at the Millenium Centre for putting on this amazing show, and offering me something new to be amazed at, again.

It’s Saturday 4th June 2016 with my second viewing of this wonderful double opera performed by the Welsh National Opera company at the equally wonderful Millennium centre here in Cardiff. As I take my seat for this performance it’s a chance to look around this huge auditorium And admire the spacious and luxurious qualities of this amazing theatre, which I have always said is one of the best in the world.

From the moment the orchestra began warming up you could feel the atmosphere building,a sell out crowd would be enthralled again by the amazing voices on show. 

As the opera begins (Cavalleria rusticana)the music just envelopes you,drawing you in to the scenes about to unfold. The set is magnificent and as the stage begins crowding with this large chorus the singing fills this huge auditorium with delightful tones leading up to the superb resurrection hymn. 

Again I have to say the main players were excellent with Camilla Roberts, Gwyn Hughes Jones and David Kempster giving their all. The chorus were just heavenly and what to say about the orchestra(conducted by the great Carlo Rizzi),simply amazing as they always are and probably always will be. The whole cast give their all to this mighty performance,and by the end of this particular piece,leaves you craving for the next instalment.

After the interval we have the magnificent Pagliacci, a fitting end to a truly magnificent evening. With the large chorus again filling this huge stage we are treated to an extravaganza of a performing troupe,complete with fire eaters,clowns and an old van masquerading as a stage,for the final and tragic scene. 

This performance was again faultless with Gwyn Hughes Jones, David Kempster and joined this time by Meeta Raval taking centre stage. Joined by Gyula Nagy and Tristan Llyr Griffiths along with a strong chorus and a group of talented children making up the rest of the cast, made this a night to remember, as it just got better every time.  

I went through a huge raft of emotions tonight and tears filled my eyes most of the time,mainly due to the incredible orchestra and two beautiful operas so well written,and so well performed by a magnificent company. Long may it continue. I myself want more,so I’m really looking forward to the next season of operas, can’t wait.

Sunday 29th may 2016 at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff. A production of Cavalleria rusticana by Mascagni and Pagliacci by Leoncavallo,performed by the Welsh National Opera company.

We begin with Cavalleria rusticana (cav for short) set in a village in Sicilly in 1880 on Easter Sunday. The story is centred around Turridu’s love for Lola who is married to Alfio with the rivalry between the two men intense, as we move to the final scenes when Alfio and Turiddu fight until Turridu is killed. As soon as the music began I was in floods of tears, the orchestra were amazing, magnificent throughout the whole opera,as they always are.

As we move through this amazing opera the chorus come into their own with fabulous,scintillating voices raising the roof of the centre. The main leads were also magnificent with David Kempster as Alfio,Gwyn Hughes Jones as Turridu and Camilla Roberts as Santuzza. Wow what voices, these guys were amazing,absolutely fabulous, if the chorus raised the roof this trio sent it into orbit. 

A word of praise for the set,you actually thought you were looking out of a huge window onto a street in Sicilly. What a magnificent effort by the whole team at WNO. Fantastic.

A beautiful opera from start to finish,proving to many people that the WNO have to be one of the best companies in the world today,Well I think so anyway.

After the interval we moved on to Pagliacci (pag for short), a story of a troupe of players performing in a Calabrian village. We meet Tonio played by David Kempster, Canio by Gwyn Hughes Jones and Nedda (Canio’s wife) by Meeta Raval. Centred around these characters we find that Nedda has a lover and Canio does not know who and as the story continues in a jealous rage Canio kills Nedda and her lover at the end of the opera.

The singing was superb again, with Gwyn Hughes Jones,Meeta Raval and David Kempster taking centre stage. These three were simply stunning and deserve all the applause they got. Along with the rest of the cast and chorus this was a heavenly performance. Not to forget the orchestra,who again, were amazing brilliantly conducted by Carlo Rizzi.

A special mention to all the children in the cast of both operas who all played their parts in this fantastic production.

This is again a must see for all opera lovers,before it tours. I will definitely be back to see it for a second time next week.

Saturday 21st may 2016. Tonight is my second performance of this Opera at the Millenium centre in Cardiff. An amazing new production by the Welsh National Opera.

The evening began on the Glanfa stage with members of the WNO chorus (Paula Greenwood,Simon Crosby Buttle and Julian Boyce with piano accompaniment by David Doidge) performing World War One period pieces. One word to describe this 45 minutes of indulgence before the main show,SUPERB. Everything WNO put on is excellent and this performance was in that category.

To the main performance of the evening,as the music begins and first chorus of voices begin I’m drawn back to the days of war I can only read about. The sumptuous tones of each character soaring into the vast auditorium. As the opera moves on we find the men leaving our shores onboard to France, the mood changes as fear spreads through the company. The whole cast effortlessly travel through the act bringing a whole range of emotions to keep you thoughouly engrossed in this production.

At the start of the second act,we are treated to a fantastic version of Sospan fach, sung by most of the male leads and the male vocalists in the chorus,before the mood changes as the boys March towards Mametz wood. As men start dying around private ball the wood comes to life,regenerating around them as we come to a beautiful musical ending,with the Queen of the woods and the female members of the chorus treating the audience to a wonderful,tearful climax to an amazing Opera.

This has been a wonderful new Opera,which I have seen twice,and it just gets better every time. The WNO company has to be one of the best I have seen, everything they put on has been brilliant, long may it continue.

WNO world premiere of in parenthesis,composed wonderfully by Iain Bell with David Antrobus and Emma Jenkins providing a perfect libretto for this opera. Based during World War One and leading up to the assault at Mametz wood.

Charting the journey of private John Ball and company,played superbly by Andrew Bidlack into war. Peter Colman Wright and Alexandra Deshorties take centre stage as the bards of Brittainia and Germania taking you through the scenes as they play out. The supporting cast also deserve a mention as every voice soars out over this amazing auditorium.

As usual the WNO orchestra and chorus were brilliant as they always are at every performance they give.

The set was imaginative and well put together playing its role as needed. This new opera sends you through different emotions on its way to a memorable ending in the woods at Mametz. It’s new it’s different and well worth another viewing. I would recommend this to all opera lovers.