There is quite a Spring Season to look forward to at the ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC & DRAMA. With something like six new productions, powerful and heart-breaking opera, a brilliant array of musicians along with celebrations for International Women’s Day and a rousing St David’s Day concert. They even have fun for all the family with their Big Bash Weekend in March.
Once you’ve looked at all the highlights, the link to tickets is at the bottom of the page
Musical Theatre & Drama Highlights
FLORA, THE RED MENACE (29th to 31st March) is plucky young woman, determined to find work during the Great Depression of the 1930s. But New York is a complicated place, and when she falls in love with Harry Toukarian, a fellow struggling designer with a keen sense of justice, she finds herself torn between two vastly different ideals. Flora, the Red Menace is a musical that sets a socialist agenda with humanity, humour, romance and a fine set of tunes. From the song writing team of Cabaret and Chicago.
The powerful courtroom drama THE WELKIN (29th to 31st March) sees a woman’s life on the line. Moral responsibility is thrust into the spotlight with OPPENHEIMER (28th to 31st March), in the story of the creation of the first atomic bomb, and young lawyers sift through the evidence in Nina Raine’s CONSENT (27th to 31st March). Can justice prevail?
Director of Drama Performance, Jonathan Munby told us…..
“Drama is about life and human conflict. We are training tomorrow’s professionals, both on stage and behind the scenes, and nurturing them as people who can make a difference in the world. With that in mind we have chosen plays for our upcoming season that celebrate humanity in all its forms.”
Opera Highlights
It’s the eve of the French Revolution. The fearful Blanche de la Force seeks sanctuary in a convent of Carmelite nuns to escape the terror. Their faith is tested, and the horror of the Revolution’s Reign of Terror comes to pass. DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES (25th to 29th March) is presented by the performers of the David Seligman Opera School.
Director of Music, Tim Rhys-Evans told us…..
“Dialogues of the Carmelites is a gripping and tragic tale, brought wonderfully to life with the sumptuous harmonies and powerful music-drama of French composer, Francis Poulenc. The opera includes a large cast and chorus plus a 60-piece orchestra. These forces will be amassed on stage so it will be a thrilling theatrical experience.”
Music Highlights
Pianist Lucy Parham returns to Royal Welsh College, with her popular Composer Portrait series. ELGIE: RACHMANINOFF, A HEART IN EXILE (9th March) chronicles the life of the composer with narration from Olivier award-winning actor Henry Goodman and features Parham performing some of his best-loved solo piano works.
It’s a welcome return to Cardiff of BBC Young Jazz Musician winner XHOSA COLE (3rd March) and his quartet, who celebrate the work of Thelonius Monk. And one of France’s most exciting young artists LISE DE LA SALLE (19th March).
Award-winning KAYLAN KALHOR (19th January), the world’s greatest master of the kamancheh (Persian violin), together with renowned baglama (Turkish lute) player, ERDAL ERZINCAN, present their exciting and intensely spiritual musical partnership.
College performers pay musical tribute to a former colleague, teacher and highly respected composer, DAVID HARRIES (22nd March).
Celebrations this spring include music for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (8th March) featuring the likes of Judith Bingham and Welsh composer Rhian Samuel. While the Royal Welsh College Brass Band will present a rousing ST DAVID’S DAY (1st March) celebration with favourites such as Sosban Fach and Men of Harlech.
Family Fun
Royal Welsh College presents a weekend of workshops and incredible percussion performances, in the College’s annual BIG BASH WEEKEND (3rd and 4th March). COLIN CURRIE (3rd March) combines his special brand of electricity with the youthful verve of the Royal Welsh College Percussion ensemble.
For tickets and more information on the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Spring Season, and more, visit HERE.
