One opera trilogy, three established directors and two of Britain’s most celebrated theatre designers are just some of the ingredients for two new productions and a world premiere in Welsh National Opera’s forthcoming spring season.

For over 200 years the character of Figaro has remained one of opera’s most theatrical creations. Welsh National Opera will celebrate the story of this wily character with his lust for life and a desire for matchmaking and mischief in a trilogy of operas in their spring season Figaro Forever.

The season of operas, all sung in English, features new productions of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro together with the World Premiere of Figaro Gets a Divorce by Russian born British composer Elena Langer with a libretto by WNO’s Artistic Director David Pountney.

The triology will be at Venue Cymru, Llandudno from March 8-12.

Much loved characters

Beginning the story is The Barber of Seville with its much loved characters and music inspired by the comedy by Beaumarchais. The Barber of Seville will be directed by young British theatre director and comic opera specialist, Sam Brown, making his WNO debut.

Australian born baritone Nicholas Lester also makes his WNO debut and takes on the role of the scheming Figaro. Andrew Shore sings Bartolo, whilst British soprano Claire Booth will sing the role of Bartolo’s young ward Rosina. Tenor Nico Darmanin takes the role of her lover Count Almaviva with Richard Wiegold as Basilio.

Welsh National Opera's spring visit to Vanue Cymru will feature the Barber of Seville; the Marriage of Figaro and Figaro gets a Divorce
Welsh National Opera's spring visit to Vanue Cymru will feature the Barber of Seville; the Marriage of Figaro and Figaro gets a Divorce

Mozart’s ever popular The Marriage of Figaro continues in the story of Count Almaviva’s household with a host of intrigues and romances all packed into one day :Figaro’s Wedding Day! David Stout sings Figaro and is alongside Anna Devin as Susanna with Mark Stone and Elizabeth Watts as the troubled Count and Countess Almaviva.

Figaro Gets A Divorce is an affectionate sequel to Mozart’s classic, the final chapter of the story is brought to a close for these much loved characters, whose relationships are put under intense strain by political instability in 1930’s Europe.

Talented cast

David Stout, Mark Stone and Elizabeth Watts continue their roles as Figaro and Count and Countess Almaviva for the opera, joined by a cast that includes Marie Arnet (Susanna), Alan Oke (The Major), Andrew Watts (The Cherub) Naomi O’Connell (Serafin) and Rhian Lois (Angelica).

Composer Elena Langer and WNO’s Artistic Director David Pountney has created a lyrical and striking ending to Figaro’s story.

David Pountney said “I had been intrigued by the idea of how the story might end and what the world of Figaro sounds like in the hands of a contemporary composer. As well as the everyday troubles, the rumblings of revolution were getting closer in The Marriage of Figaro posing the question of how these characters would survive as their world breaks apart.”

Ticket information is available from the box office on 01492 872000.