Operas

Beethoven’s only opera is a rousing, triumphant affirmation of his belief that the most important human qualities – love, courage and kindness – can exist in even the most inhuman of conditions. Fidelio is an extraordinary musical achievement consisting of both tender, intimate scenes and epic, highly charged choruses. Giuseppe Frigeni’s powerful production of Fidelio promises to offer great performances of this great opera.

Mozart’s joyous extravaganza contains some of his most beautiful music. The Magic Flute is a wonderfully entertaining experience, mixing comedy and pantomime with philosophy and religion. Ultimately however The Magic Flute is simply great fun. Dominic Cooke’s fantastical, fun production is a feast for the imagination. This production will transport you to a world of flying fish, dancing animals and sinister monsters. Join Tamino on his quest and leave the real world behind.

Ariadne auf Naxos is one of Richard Strauss’ finest achievements. Strauss masterfully combines deeply moving, tragic opera with boisterous comedy to create an exquisite celebration of the power of music. The cast for Neil Armfield’s celebrated production includes acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly making her return to the company. Ariadne auf Naxos promises to make you laugh and cry, and sometimes both at the same time.

The waltz king, Johann Strauss II’s comic operetta is a delicious Viennese treat, filled with sumptuous music. Celebrated director John Copley’s new period-set production promises to create an evening of opulence, elegance and sheer frivolity.

Verdi’s Il trovatore is Italian opera at its most passionate and full-blooded. Filled with memorable choruses and arias, the audience are propelled through this tale of vengeance by music of enormous power. Peter Watson’s period production returns with celebrated Welsh tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones making his role debut as Manrico. Following his acclaimed performances as Iago in Otello, David Kempster returns to WNO to tackle another great Verdian villain. Il trovatore promises an exhilarating evening at the theatre.