The Welsh Opera Blodwen @ The NOVA
NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, in a co-production with Rimrock Opera Foundation in Billings, Montana, will premiere Joseph Parry’s Blodwen (the first Welsh opera) – yn Gymraeg! [in Welsh] on May 10, 11 and May 18, 19. This will be the first staged performance of Blodwen in the United States and the first American company to produce an opera sung in Welsh.
Composer Joseph Parry (1841-1903), was born in Wales and emigrated with his family to Danville, Pennsylvania, when he was twelve years old. As a musician, Parry rose to fame among immigrant Welsh communities and became equally well-known and beloved on both sides of the Atlantic.
Following the pattern of Romantic Italian opera, Blodwen takes place in 14th century Wales and includes a wedding, lovers, dying heroes and a dramatic final twist. The opera’s stirring music shows Parry at his dramatic best: heroic and romantic solos, exciting ensembles, powerful choruses and of course, the famous ‘Hywel a Blodwen’ love duet which remains popular as a concert item and is considered one of the highlights of amateur performances of the opera.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see a rare milestone in the history of Welsh-American music. Blodwen will be sung in Welsh with English super-titles. The cast, consisting of local and regional talent also includes artists that hail from Wales: Blodwen - Janie Sutton, Arglwyddes/Lady Maelor - Nerys Jones, Elen - Kate Meyer, Hywel - Scott Wichael, Arthur - Jeremy Huw Williams, Iolo - Douglas Nagel, Conductor - Dulais Rhys, Director - Osian Rhys
Tickets are $21/adults, $16/seniors or military, $10/students. Please call or stop by the NOVA box office Tuesday-Friday 12-6pm at 406-591-9535 or go to www.novabillings.org
Dates and Times
- Friday, May 10, 2019 – 12:00 AM
- Saturday, May 11, 2019 – 12:00 AM
- Saturday, May 18, 2019 – 12:00 AM
- Sunday, May 19, 2019 – 12:00 AM
