Family fun at this introduction to opera

WNO Family Concert, St David’s Hall, Cardiff

FOLLOWING last year’s sold-out performance, Welsh National Opera returned with a brand new Family Concert that had something for everyone.

It was the perfect way to introduce all the family to opera and classical music as the WNO Orchestra guided us through a selection of popular favourites from the world of opera, film and TV.

This year’s concert had an animal theme, and by the looks of the reactions from the many kids in the audience they went wild for what was on offer.

And what was on offer wasn’t just served up in the concert hall. Ahead of the main event, children were given the opportunity to discover what goes into an operatic performance with props, make-up, costumes and musicians on hand to let the little ones get hands on with the WNO.

It made for a riotous sight and a cacophony of noise, but perfect Sunday afternoon fare for all the family.

The concert itself was a fun and informal affair with opera singer and BBC Radio Wales presenter Wynne Evans the perfect choice to guide us through a variety of pieces that enthralled the audience of all ages. Evans is becoming quite adept at helming these concerts.

He stalked the stage delivering some choice lines - usually at the expense of the good-natured musicians of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra who were happy to be his fall guys and girls like an avuncular stand-up.

The orchestra was conducted by the young and dynamic James Southall, a ball of kinetic energy and fun throughout this suitably lively concert, especially when he was joined on stage by three members of the audience who made their conducting debut much to the amusement of the audience.

As an introduction to the worlds of opera and classical music the young amongst the audience were taken on a whipsmart educational trip through a variety of music which included The Cat Duet, Stravinsky’s Firebird, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, the theme from The Pink Panther, Jurassic Park, and Circle Of Life from The Lion King, which was fitting as the concert was a roaring success.

David Owens