Welsh National Opera’s world renowned Chorus is set for a summer on the road performing excerpts from opera, oratorio, musical theatre and folk music in venues across Wales
The concert will see the 40-strong group perform in Cardigan, Brecon, Newport, Wrexham, Aberdare, Caernarfon, Swansea and Milford Haven. The Chorus will also be performing during the opening season of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s new concert hall and theatre in Cardiff.
The performances will include some well-known pieces such as ‘Three Little Maids’ from The Mikado alongside some which may not be so familiar including ‘Wach auf’ from Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnburg and the ‘Witches Chorus’ from Verdi’s Macbeth.
WNO Chorus will also be singing some traditional Welsh songs – Suo Gân and Gwahoddiad as well as numbers by Ivor Novello and Rogers and Hammerstein and the classic English folk song ‘Early One Morning’.
James Southall from WNO’s music staff will be accompanying the Chorus on the piano and the concerts will be conducted by WNO Chorus Master Stephen Harris.
WNO Chorus Master Stephen Harris said:”We are all very excited about this concert tour of Wales. As a Chorus we are passionate about performing opera – as well as lots of other kinds of music as audiences will see from the interesting and varied repertoire we have put together.
“The programme has been devised to suit everyone – some excerpts from opera and oratorio in the first half including the famous ‘Anvil Chorus’ from Il Trovatore and in the second half a ‘lighter’ selection of repertoire ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan, some Welsh arrangements and ending with ‘You’ll never walk alone’ from Carousel.
“In addition to hearing the whole Chorus, you will also get the chance to hear individual members singing solo roles. We are very much looking forward to touring Wales and giving our audiences an uplifting evening to remember.”
WNO Chorus became professional in 1968 and has since become internationally recognised as a first class ensemble by critics and audiences alike. As well as performing in WNO’s main house opera productions, the Chorus has also undertaken small-scale tours in rural areas across Wales and the South West of England. Members of the Chorus have a great deal of experience working with children, adults and elderly people through WNO’s work with schools and community groups.
The Chorus has also performed at many international festivals, the BBC Proms and sang for HM The Queen when she opened the new Welsh Assembly in Cardiff Bay.
Artists of Welsh National Opera: The Chorus in Concert will be appearing at:
Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan on 17th June – Box Office: 01239 621200
Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon on 18th June – Box Office: 01874 611622
The Riverfront, Newport on 22nd June – Box Office: 01633 656757
William Aston Hall, Wrexham on 24th June – Box Office: 01978 292015
Coliseum, Aberdare on 25th June – Box Office: 08000 147111
Galeri, Caernarfon on 29th June – Box Office 01286 685222* (*£1 booking fee applies)
Taliesin, Swansea on 1st July – Box Office 01792 602060
Torch Theatre, Milford Haven on 2nd July – Box Office 01646 695267
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on 5th July – Box Office 029 20391 391
