Rian Evans, The Guardian
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“With some fine musical characterisation from the principals as well as those in cameo roles, and a particularly blazing finale to act one, there is a wonderful sense of a defiant upholding of MWO values by artistic director/designer Richard Studer and music director Jonathan Lyness.”
These dates are all in the past.
One of Shakespeare’s greatest plays is also one of Verdi’s greatest operas. Experience a gripping tale of power, manipulation and tragic descent as Macbeth, a valiant general, succumbs to his wife’s persuasion, leading to a ruthless quest for the Scottish throne. Verdi’s magnificent score, with its sweeping melodies and intricate harmonies, propels the psychologically thrilling narrative, whilst Act 4 introduces a modern twist with the haunting chorus of refugees. Sung in English, accompanied by Ensemble Cymru and with a large cast, supplemented by community choruses, Mid Wales Opera presents its first-ever production of Verdi’s Macbeth as the culmination of its Shakespeare Season.
Verdi’s Macbeth – Information pack for schools:
English (pdf) | Cymraeg (pdf)
Richard Bratby, The Spectator
“…romantic opera at maximum voltage…”
spectator.co.uk – read the full review
Clare Stevens, Opera Now
“This is an opera that stands or falls more than most on the quality of the two main principals, and in Bouton and the Welsh soprano Mari Wyn Williams who sang Lady Macbeth, MWO struck gold”
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Music: Giuseppe Verdi
Reduced Orchestration: Jonathan Lyness
Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave
Based on William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
English Version: Jeremy Sams
Performed by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited
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Conductor: Jonathan Lyness
Orchestra: Ensemble Cymru
Director/Designer: Richard Studer
Lighting Designer: Elanor Higgins
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Macbeth: Jean-Kristof Bouton
Lady Macbeth: Mari Wyn Williams
Macduff: Robyn Lyn Evans
Banquo: Emyr Wyn Jones
Lady-in-waiting: Rebecca Afonwy-Jones
Malcolm / Chorus: Joseph Buckmaster
Doctor / Chorus: Steffan Lloyd Owen
Apparition / Chorus: Siân Roberts
Apparition / Chorus: Hazel Neighbour
Apparition / Fleanzio / Chorus: Samuel Snowden
Servant / Assassin / Chorus: Matthew Siveter
Chorus: Stephanie Smith
Chorus: Elen Lloyd Roberts
Chorus: Erin Fflur
Chorus: Rachel Morás
Chorus: Will Diggle
Chorus: Dafydd Allen
Acts 1 and 2 70 mins
INTERVAL
Acts 3 and 4 60 mins
