Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Cardiff, Wales. The ensemble was founded in 1943 as the Welsh National Opera Company, with the aim of bringing opera to audiences in Wales and beyond. Over the years, the ensemble has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected and acclaimed opera companies in the world. The Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra is made up of a talented group of musicians and singers, many of whom have been with the ensemble for years. The chorus is led by chorus master Andrew Greenwood, who has been with the company since 1992. The orchestra is led by conductor Tomáš Hanus, who joined the company in 2016. Over the years, the Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra has performed a wide range of operas, from classic works by Mozart and Verdi to contemporary pieces by living composers. Some of the highlights of the ensemble's major performances include: - In 1973, the Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra performed Wagner's Ring Cycle at the Royal Opera House in London. The production was a huge success, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading opera companies in the world. - In 1984, the ensemble performed Benjamin Britten's opera Peter Grimes at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The production was a critical and commercial success, and helped to introduce the ensemble to a wider audience in the United States. - In 1990, the Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra performed Verdi's opera Falstaff at the Royal Opera House in London. The production was widely praised for its innovative staging and outstanding performances, and helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading opera companies in Europe. - In 2017, the ensemble performed the world premiere of the opera In Parenthesis by composer Iain Bell. The production was a collaboration with the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre of Wales, and was based on the epic poem of the same name by David Jones. The opera was widely praised for its powerful music and moving performances, and helped to establish the ensemble as a leader in contemporary opera. In addition to its major performances, the Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. Some of the most notable include: - In 1991, the ensemble won the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for its production of Verdi's Falstaff. - In 2003, the ensemble won the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award for Opera and Music Theatre for its production of Janáček's opera Jenůfa. - In 2015, the ensemble won the International Opera Award for Best Chorus for its performances in Wagner's Ring Cycle. Overall, the Welsh National Opera Chorus & Orchestra is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of opera. With its talented musicians and singers, innovative productions, and commitment to excellence, the ensemble is sure to continue to delight audiences for many years to come.

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