For over 25 years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has produced. His virtuostic technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to the classical, contemporary and jazz repertoire. On the Very Nice Tour, Kennedy performs with his jazz group, the Nigel Kennedy Quintet. The band met in Nigel’s adopted city of Krakow in Poland and is made up of some of Europe’s finest exponents of jazz, from the ever-inventive rhythm section of drummer Pawel Dobrowolski and bassist Adam Kowaleski to the fluent soloing of pianist Poitr Wylezol and the muscular tenor sax of Tomasz Grzegorski. (back to list)

The most popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera, and arguably the most popular opera ever written. This opera has delighted audiences for more than a century, and spawned a number of imitations. But none were nearly as good as the original, which represented both Gilbert and Sullivan at the height of their creative geniuses. More infomation to follow. Tickets on sale Friday 6th June. Matinee performance on Wednesday & Saturday at 2.30pm. (back to top)

Sir Charles Mackerras, WNO's Conductor Emeritus and former Music Director (1987 - 92), returns to the company to conduct this concert performance of Mozart's Italian opera seria (drama opera). Mitridate, rè di Ponto (Mitridates, King of Pontus), was commissioned for Carnival 1771. He was just 14 when he wrote this three-act opera but those who pre-judged his work harshly because of his youth were silenced by the first performance. Mitridate tells a serious story yet is full of musical vigour and charm. There are many beautiful surprises in this richly varied music, with heartbreaking arias as well as glittering orchestration and florid vocal lines. Reminiscent of the ornate operas of the baroque, in its finest moments, Mitridate also foreshadows Mozart's later operatic masterpieces. Mitridate, the King of Pontus who long defended his empire against the Romans, and his son Farnace are real historical characters, but the plot - in which loyalties are tested in love and in war - is fiction. In Welsh National Opera's concert performance the music will speak for itself - freeing your imagination to be suggestible to the power and passion of the work. Tickets on sale from Monday 2nd June at 9pm.  (back to top)

An operatic masterpiece and one of Tchaikovsky's greatest works, The Queen of Spades was written in just 44 days. The Queen of Spades is based on Alexander Pushkin's novella, a short masterpiece about a man who loses his fortune and his mind to cards. Herman, an army officer becomes obsessed with learning the secret of the three cards from the Countess. The Countess - who is known as The Queen of Spades - can only reveal the secret to three men wihout facing death. She has already told two men the secret, so cannot answer Herman's question. His obsession costs him dearly - possessions, the womanhe loves and ultimately his own life. When WNO first performed this work, it was highly praised by both critics and audiences. Tickets on sale from Monday 2nd June at 9pm.  (back to top)

For decades WNO's production of this poignant Puccini opera has touched generations of audiences all over the UK and internationally, most recently in Hong Kong. A new production is planned for the near future - so this is your last chance to see this adored WNO classic. Living in romantic poverty, this musical story of love and hardship among the bohemians has touched generations of audiences with its universal poignancy, appeal and supreme melodic beauty. Two love affairs bring renewed excitement to the lives of four poverty-stricken bachelor artists. The affair between Mimì and Rodolfo blossoms but is cruelly blighted by Mimì's tuberculosis. The opera contains one of the most famous of Puccini's arias - 'your tiny hand is frozen.' Tickets on sale from Monday 2nd June at 9pm. Matinee performance on Saturday at 2.15pm.  (back to top)