Spring 2020

Les vêpres siciliennes Verdi

The Marriage of Figaro Mozart

Carmen Bizet

Become a WNO FriendJoin this Autumn to create a new passion for opera

029 2063 5014 wno.org.uk/friends

Join WNO Friends and we will give afree Carmen ticket to a young person so they can experience WNO for the first time in Spring 2020 Season

Help us give a free ticket to a young person to enjoy WNO for the first time at Carmen in Spring 2020

Become a WNO FriendJoin this Autumn to create a new passion for opera029 2063 5014 wno.org.uk/friends

Thank you to the generous supporters who make our work possible Thank you to the generous supporters who make our work possible

Help us give a free ticket to a young person to enjoy WNO for the first time at Carmen in Spring 2020

Become a WNO FriendJoin this Autumn to create a new passion for opera029 2063 5014 wno.org.uk/friends

Thank you to the generous supporters who make our work possible

Help us give a free ticket to a young person to enjoy WNO for the first time at Carmen in Spring 2020

Become a WNO FriendJoin this Autumn to create a new passion for opera029 2063 5014 wno.org.uk/friends

Thank you to the generous supporters who make our work possible

Help us give a free ticket to a young person to enjoy WNO for the first time at Carmen in Spring 2020

Become a WNO FriendJoin this Autumn to create a new passion for opera029 2063 5014 wno.org.uk/friends

Thank you to the generous supporters who make our work possible

Help us give a free ticket to a young person to enjoy WNO for the first time at Carmen in Spring 2020

Become a WNO FriendJoin this Autumn to create a new passion for opera029 2063 5014 wno.org.uk/friends

Thank you to the generous supporters who make our work possible

3

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

The Season’s opener is the final opera in the WNO Verdi Trilogy, which we have unveiled over the past three years. Verdi’s thrilling Les vêpres siciliennes, an opera not seen on WNO’s stage for over 60 years, is directed in a new production by Sir David Pountney, with Carlo Rizzi, WNO’s Conductor Laureate, on the podium. Carlo also conducts Mozart’s sublime The Marriage of Figaro which returns to our repertoire. The Season is completed with further performances of our vibrant production of Carmen. Julia Mintzer makes her UK debut in the title role, with Peter Auty joining her as Don José.

We’re also delighted to announce that in January we will be bringing our popular A Journey to Vienna concert across the Bridge for the first time. WNO Orchestra will be joined by WNO favourite, soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams at St George’s

Bristol for an evening of Mozart, Brahms, Strauss and more. What better way to start the New Year?

Whatever your taste, we aim to bring something to intrigue, delight and enjoy to a theatre near you. We look forward to seeing you there.

Croeso | Welcome

Our Spring 2020 Season gives you the opportunity to experience an exhilarating new production of an operatic rarity, along with the chance to see two of opera’s most enduring masterpieces.

Aidan Lang General DirectorWelsh National Opera

4

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

5

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

No man can resist the charms of opera’s ultimate seductress Carmen. Carefree and spirited she is determined to keep her independence, so when she enchants the soldier, Don José who sacrifices his old life for her, she is unprepared for the events that will evolve. Bored, she turns her attention to the handsome Escamillo, and Don José’s jealousy erupts into a thrilling finale.

Jo Davies’ new production, set in 1970s Central America, will bring all the passion and drama expected of this iconic opera. Bizet’s alluring music, from the famous Toreador Song to Carmen’s provocative Habanera, exposes the emotion of the characters to create a tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Supported by WNO Friends

Director Jo DaviesConductor Harry OggSet Designer Leslie TraversCostume Designer Gabrielle DaltonLighting Designer Oliver Fenwick Movement Director Denni SayersRevival Director Oliver Lamford

CastCarmen Julia MintzerMoralès Ross RamgobinMicaëla Elin PritchardDon José Peter AutyZuniga John Savournin 11 Mar Henry Waddington 13 MarFrasquita Haegee Lee Mercédès Angela SimkinEscamillo Giorgio Caoduro

wno.org.uk/carmen #WNOcarmen

• Sung in French, with English surtitles • Running time approximately three hours with

one interval• Audio Described performance and Touch Tour Friday 13 March 6pm

CarmenBizetWednesday 11 & Friday 13 March 7.15pm

Harry Ogg

Book now. See back cover

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

7

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

It’s supposed to be the happiest day of Figaro and Susanna’s lives but will their wedding even go ahead? Count Almaviva is determined to seduce Susanna, but will his wife find out? Will Figaro be able to outwit his master, for the honour of his bride? Or will the young Cherubino confuse matters even more?

Through a series of twists and turns, The Marriage of Figaro will keep you guessing until the final scene, with Mozart’s sublime score brilliantly bringing the action to life.

WNO’s period-set production has all the ingredients of a classic opera. Elegant sets, opulent costumes and an exceptional ensemble cast combine to pay homage to one of the greatest comic operas of its time.

A co-production with Grand Théâtre de Genève

Director Tobias RichterConductor Carlo RizziSet Designer Ralph KoltaiCostume Designer Sue BlaneLighting Designer Linus FellbomRevival Director Max HoehnChoreographer Denni Sayers

CastCount Almaviva Jonathan McGovernFigaro David IrelandDon Basilio / Don Curzio Richard RobertsDoctor Bartolo Henry WaddingtonCherubino Anna Harvey Countess Almaviva Anita WatsonSusanna Soraya Mafi Marcellina Leah-Marian Jones

• Sung in Italian, with English surtitles• Running time approximately three hours and

20 minutes with one interval

wno.org.uk/marriage#WNOmarriage

The Marriage of Figaro MozartThursday 12 March 7pm

Photo of Carlo Rizzi by Tessa Traeger

Book now. See back cover

8

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

9

Welsh National Opera Spring Season 2020

Hélène seeks justice for her murdered brother, as revenge and revolution set the scene for Les vêpres siciliennes. As Hélène’s sweetheart Henri, together with fellow rebel Procida, prepare to destroy his killer Montfort, a dark secret is revealed. Among the confusion and betrayal, the sound of wedding bells ring out, signalling the massacre that will destroy them all.

Based around true events which occurred in Sicily in 1282, Verdi’s grand opera features wonderful choruses and breath-taking arias, including the Bolero. In this striking new production, Director David Pountney and the creative team behind La forza del destino and Un ballo in maschera reunite to complete WNO’s Verdi Trilogy.

Co-production with Theater Bonn Supported by the Kobler Trust and WNO Verdi Syndicate

Patron of WNO Verdi Trilogy: His Excellency The Italian Ambassador

Director David PountneyConductor Carlo RizziSet Designer Raimund BauerCostume Designer Marie-Jeanne LeccaLighting Designer Fabrice Kebour Choreographer Caroline Finn

CastHenri Jung Soo YunLa Duchesse Hélène Anush HovhannisyanGuy de Montfort Giorgio Caoduro Jean Procida Wojtek GierlachLe Sire de Béthune Wyn PencarregNinette Christine ByrneDaniéli / Mainfroid Robyn Lyn EvansRobert Gareth Brynmor JohnDancers National Dance Company Wales

wno.org.uk/vepres #WNOvepres

• Sung in French, with English surtitles • Running time approximately three hours and

30 minutes with one interval

Les vêpres siciliennesVerdiSaturday 14 March 6.30pm

Sir David Pountney

Book now. See back cover

10

Let’s keep in touch

We’d love to send you information about upcoming events, news, how to support us and an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes at WNO

Sign up to our newsletter at wno.org.uk/newsletter

Follow us online

welshnationalopera

@WNOtweet

@wnotweet

welshnationalopera

On tour across Wales and EnglandOn sale soon

wno.org.uk/cosi #WNOcosi

In Summer 2020 WNO will take you back to school with a brand new production of Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte aka School of Love. Set in the early 1970s, four sixth formers discover that falling in love can be incredible, dramatic, awkward and complicated in this witty coming-of-age tale.

Sung in English

11

There is so much more to WNO than what happens on the stage. From school concerts and workshops, community events and family days there has never been a better time to get inspired.

Welsh National OperaYouth & Community

For more information about how you can get involved visit

wno.org.uk/takepart

A Journey to Vienna

This coming New Year, WNO Orchestra takes A Journey to Vienna celebrating some of Europe’s finest music. In a programme to transport you across the continent, WNO Orchestra, under the direction of Leader and Concertmaster David Adams, will visit all corners of Europe in works by Offenbach, Mozart, Brahms, Dvor ák and, of course, Strauss. The Orchestra is thrilled to be joined by soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams who has become a firm favourite with WNO

audiences in recent years winning critical acclaim for roles in Un ballo in maschera, La forza del destino, and Die Fledermaus. What better way to start 2020?

WNO Orchestra returns in January 2020 with this popular New Year concert.

Friday 3 January 7.30pm St George’s Bristol stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

wno.org.uk/vienna

TICKETS£53, £45, £35, £25, £13 plus £3.65 ATG transaction fee

PRE-PERFORMANCE TALKS †

Carmen 11 Mar & 13 Mar 6pmThe Marriage of Figaro 12 Mar 5.45pmLes vêpres siciliennes 14 Mar 5.15pm

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCECarmen Friday 13 March 7.15pm and Touch Tour 6pm

CONCESSIONS Under 16s £5 when accompanied by a full paying adult. Bands B – D

Age 16 – 29s £10 (limited availability). Bands B – D

Age 60+ £3 off bands A – C

DISCOUNTSATG Theatre Card £5 off bands A – C

GROUPSGroups 6+ £4 off Bands A – D

Groups 10+ £5 off Bands A – D

Groups 20+ £6 off Bands A – D

School groups £15 Bands B – D plus 1 free teacher per 10 pupils (weekdays only)

SUBSCRIPTIONS Book 2 operas Save15% Bands A – D

Book 3 operas Save15% Bands A – D

atgtickets.com/bristol0844 871 3012*

Groups 0333 009 5385Access for all 0800 912 6971

* on 0844 numbers calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

Registered Charity No 221538

Booking information

† Pre-performance talks venue to be confirmed