Opera can be intimidating. Many people hear ‘opera’ and they think ‘long’ and ‘boring’ and ‘inaccessible’. The Welsh National Opera has heard these thoughts, and they are here to prove you wrong.
Their Spring Concert Series is the perfect way to dip your toe into the wide world of opera. This series is typically held in St Davids, but since the hall’s closure for maintenance, the WNO has found a new home at the Wales Millenium Center. The blends of exposed wood coming together in the Donald Gordon Theatre create a perfect atmosphere for this incredible performance.
It brings together all the daunting elements of opera; it shows you the bones of a production. Unlike a traditional opera, the phenomenal orchestra is on stage for everybody to see. In the second half of this performance, they demonstrated complete mastery over a lesser-heard Schumann composition.
His 4th symphony is a fevered nest of nimble strings and booming beats on the timpani that the orchestra navigates effortlessly. But if you’ve never heard of Schumann, never fear, the first half of this concert featured Mozart’s Requiem. This iconic piece of music was Mozart’s last written before his death; the chorus wields all this epic weight, conducted by Tomáš Hanus.
Their Peace and Passion concert was just one of many concerts they do over the year, often combining popular pieces with something more unique, allowing their audience to explore a range of music with them. It’s an experience nobody should miss out on. Whether you’re an opera lover or just trying something new, come dip your toe in the WNO.
Special thanks to the Welsh National Opera for the opportunity to see this performance.