Think Opera and you may imagine a show filled with passion, intense stories and music for those who appreciate something a little more serious. It’s certainly something you wouldn’t associate with an engaging show, loud, funny, cheering and dancing event, suitable for families of all ages.
If perhaps they are the things which have held you back from entering the world of Opera, I can tell you that Welsh National Opera are masters of making productions and performances which are accessible for everyone. Their current PLAY OPERA LIVE experience, and believe me, it really is just that, will sky rocket your enjoyment right out of this world.
Imagine an opera where the whole family get to laugh, cheer and feel part of the whole experience. Well, that’s exactly what filled the Wales Millennium Centre this afternoon, as hundred of young children, with their parents in tow, enjoyed the music and pre-show activities, including being transformed into an alien at the face painting station.
We caught up with some of the audience (young and old) after the performance, and right across the board, their was resounding praise from and most will definitely be back to it all again next time…..
This is opera for everyone, with extra-terrestrial activities, lots of fun things to do and learn (but don’t tell the kids that). All before heading into the Donald Gordon theatre for an hour of incredible opera and classical music with the WNO navigating us through a brilliant show. At the helm was TOM REDMOND, who had us singing, dancing, and clapping along to some of our favourite pieces from stage and screen.
Tom is not only a musician and presenter but is responsible for introducing hundreds and thousands of young people and their families to classical music. He’s been on the radio and TV and was on stage all the way from Dublin to Hong Kong. You can also hear him broadcasting on BBC Radio 3 from venues and festivals across the UK.
If you think you don’t like opera, I challenge you to think again. This is a show filled with laughter and fun, and a programme of music which had us all clapping and singing along to.
Richard Strauss Sunrise from Also Sprach Zarathustra
Howard arr Redmond Fly Me To The Moon
Verdi Va, pensiero from Nabucco
Verdi Extract from the Overture to La forza del destino
Bizet Toreador’s Song Votre toast from Carmen
Puccini O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi
Bizet Habanera L’amour est un oiseau rebelle from Carmen
Quincy Jones arr Duncan Soul Bossa Nova
Leoncavallo Vesti la giubba from Pagliacci
Puccini Act 1 Finale Te Deum from Tosca
Mozart Act 1 Farewell Trio Soave sia il vento from Così fan tutte
Steve Pickett Party on Planet Sum Zee from Alien Dances from the Planet Zog
Verdi Brindisi Libiamo ne’ lieti calici from La traviata
A WNO family experience wouldn’t be complete without free foyer activities. You get to transform into an alien at the face painting station, enjoy an intergalactic treasure hunt, and much more.
For more details on the rest of the PLAY OPERA LIVE show, head over to the WNO site HERE.
You can read our full feature on the Autumn season from WNO HERE. And our review of La Traviata HERE.
