The open-air opera returns for the public
Mid Wales Opera (MWO) has played a plethora of dates for outdoor performances since coronavirus restrictions were relaxed and the last performance was at Bishop’s Castle – the 21st the group has given since he resumed his performance.
The show saw the opera group take over the playing field in front of the SpArC theater in Bishop’s Castle, with the audience able to sit and listen while enjoying the great outdoors.
The performance featured tenor Robyn Lyn Evans and Mezzo Stephanie Windsor-Lewis, as well as Jonathan Lyness on piano.
The group said it had been “wonderful to be back on the road.”
Bridget Wallbank, Production Manager, said: “It has been fantastic and we really appreciate how much our audiences love to find the music live.
“It’s also great for singers and musicians to have the opportunity to perform and it’s just thrilling to see the response, it’s wonderful.”
Mr Lyness, also MWO’s music director, said the concert series, which began on May 15, was aimed at helping people remember the importance of live music.
He said: “These short concerts present an eclectic mix of joyful, entertaining and uplifting musical delights, from the world of song, opera and cabaret and many more – a chance for all of us to remember and to remember. celebrate the importance of classical music live, and come home feeling better.
The MWO was on tour with his production of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro when the first confinement began in March 2020.
Like many arts organizations, they have been successful in continuing to offer a mix of digital programming and pop-up concerts where possible, but have been determined to return to presenting live music.
Executive Director Lydia Bassett said, “MWO has always aimed to bring live opera and high quality classical music to places where they would not normally be performed.
“We are delighted to be able to support singers and musicians, many of whom had little to no work during the pandemic, and to bring live music back to audiences across rural Wales by performing outdoors in carefully controlled spaces across the country. “