From the comic chaos of The Marriage of Figaro to the tragedy of Peter Grimes this Season has showcased the full emotional spectrum of opera, delighting our audience across the UK.
The Marriage of Figaro
The Season opened in style with fan favourite The Marriage of Figaro. Opening at our home venue, Wales Millennium Centre in February, the production embarked on a tour to Swansea, Southampton, Birmingham and Milton Keynes.
Directed by Max Hoehn and conducted by the accomplished Kerem Hasan, this revival of our 2016 Tobias Richter production oozed with charisma and personality. Michael Mofidian and WNO Associate Artist William Stevens shared the role of the charismatic Figaro, joined by Christina Gansch as the quick-witted Susanna, Giorgio Caoduro as Count Almaviva and Chen Reiss, Erika Grimaldi and Erin Rossington alternating as the elegant Countess.
Audiences and critics alike were swept away by the whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements and social satire. With an eloquent set design by the late Ralph Koltai and glittering costumes by Sue Blane, we were reminded, as always, why Figaro remains a pillar of any opera season.
Peter Grimes
Following the critical acclaim of last year’s award-winning Death in Venice, anticipation was high for our new production of Britten’s Peter Grimes and it more than delivered.
Directed by Melly Still, and conducted by our very own Music Director, Tomáš Hanus, this powerful new staging immersed audiences in the bleak beauty of Britten’s Suffolk Coast. Tying the production together was a suspended fishing boat, beautiful captured by Chiara Stephenson’s gripping set and enhanced by Malcolm Rippeth’s lighting design and IIona Karas’ costume designs.
Taking on the titanic role of Grimes was the incredible Nicky Spense, who performance was hailed as a tour-de-force, praised for its humanity and power. Critics praised the production as “spine chilling” (The Times), while WNO Chorus and Orchestra brought out the best Britten’s haunting Sea Interludes and gripping harmonies.
What to expect in Autumn 2025…
This September, Puccini’s Tosca takes to the stage. A heartbreaking tale of passion, politics and sacrifice. For those seeking something a little different, our electrifying 2023 production of Bernstein’s Candide returns, prepare for a wild ride through 18th century France and beyond.
Both performances will start their journey in Wales Millennium Centre, before going on tour to Mayflower Theatre, Venue Cymru and Bristol Hippodrome.
Thank you I Diolch yn fawr
To our audiences and supporters – thank you! Without your support, none of our work would be possible. From everyone at Welsh National Opera, thank you for coming. Whilst we might be bidding farewell to Spring 2025. We’ll see you very soon for our next Season.
