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 at Theatr Mwldan on Friday 17 June at 7.30pm. 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.
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, 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’.
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 and at Brecon, Newport, Wrexham, Aberdare, Caernarfon, Swansea and Milford Haven during the tour.
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.” Stephen Harries
Tickets for the WNO Chorus performance at Theatr Mwldan are £20 (£19) and can be booked via Theatr Mwldan’s box office on 01239 621200 or online at www.mwldan.co.uk
