Big summer concerts announced

Two magnificent local locations will host top class opera this summer organised by Mid Wales Opera (MWO).

On Sunday, July 23, the Friends of Mid Wales Opera will host a Russian Summer Opera Gala at Gregynog Hall near Newtown from 6pm, and this will be followed by another spectacular on August 12 at Powis Castle.

The music has a strong Russian flavour, looking ahead to MWO’s 2017/18 season featuring William Walton’s The Bear opening in November, and Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin opening February 2018.

The Gregynog evening will be led by pianist Charlotte Forrest and feature Tenor Rhodri Prys Jones and Soprano Lucy Mellors, who sang Jupiter and Semele in Mid Wales Opera’s recent production of Handel’s Semele in partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and  Helen Stanley who sang Juno in the production. Rhodri, who grew up in North Powys, was recently awarded the £10,000 Ian Stouzker prize at RWCMD.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Gregynog Hall during the long interval – tickets £16 from thehafren.co.uk or phone Hafren Box Office on  01686 614555.

On Saturday, August 12, MWO are planning an evening filled with musical surprises in the magnificent gardens of Powis Castle.

Visitors will have the chance to experience the spectacular gardens in an exclusive night-time opening as well as enjoying musical performances spread through the castle grounds.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a glass a bubbly as part of the ticket price – then discover a series of musical treats including performances by Tenor Rhodri Prys Jones and Soprano Lucy Mellors and award winning harpist Gwenllian Llyr as well as local singers and musicians.

Gwenllian is quickly gaining international recognition for her charismatic and engaging performances. In July 2013, she was a prize-winner at the USA International Harp Competition in Bloomington.

She has also won many prizes more locally, including the First Prize of the UK Camac Harp Competition in 2010, the Nansi Richards Scholarship and Blue Ribbon at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol in Wales in 2012.

The event is sponsored by Tanners Wines, and profits will support MWO’s work in schools and with community choruses.

The time is 7pm – 9pm with tickets priced £12.50 in advance and £15 on the gate.

Phone 0344 249 1895 or visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle-and-garden

PHOTOS: Gwenllian Llyr, harpist at the Powis Castle event, and Rhodri Jones and Lucy Mellors (who are singing at both performances) in the recent production of Handel’s Semele.