Tosca (starring Bryn Terfel), Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - review
Welsh super star Bryn Terfel led a stellar cast in a fantastic production of Puccini's opera Tosca - an undoubted highlight of this year's 70th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
The story of love, jealousy, torture, lust and murder was brought vividly to life last night on the pavilion stage with a minimum of props set against a backdrop of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra.
Sir Bryn, as the baddie Scarpia, was, as expected, a triumph but equally breath-taking were soprano Kristine Opolais, in the title role of Tosca, and Lithuanian tenor Kristian Benedikt as her lover, Cavaradossi.
Their acting matched their superb musical talent and held the audience in thrall for the three hour concert.
They were ably supported by international artistes Andri Bjorn Robertsson, Romanas Kudriasovas, Elgan Llyr Thomas and Steffan Lloyd Owen as well as the Cor Iau Ysgol Maes Garmon Chorus (ALL CORRECT) and 11-year-old soloist Joseph Jones, as a shepherd boy.
But also to have the chance to hear a full orchestra of the calibre of the WNO, under the baton of Gareth Jones, so close to home was a rare treat and one very much appreciated.
A well deserved standing ovation greeted the entire cast of singers and musicians - a fitting end to a magnificent evening.
Speaking after the performance, Dr Rhys Davies, Chairman of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, said: “The 70th anniversary International Eisteddfod has got off to a fantastic start. On Monday night our rousing opening concert really showcased the very best of what Wales has to offer.
"International Children’s Day on Tuesday was also a great success with more than 3,000 children attending.
“Tosca was absolutely brilliant, with world-class opera heavyweights gracing the pavilion stage alongside young talent such as Steffan Lloyd Owen and Joseph Elwy Jones.
"The weather also appears to be smiling upon us - not too hot and not raining - may that continue throughout the week. "
Music Director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Eilir Griffiths, said: “This was an adventurous project for the Llangollen Eisteddfod to undertake and what a roaring success it was – the entire cast were spectacular."
