Bryn Terfel: Vocally, his ample, wide-ranging bass/baritone possesses everything needed for the role (Wagner’s ‘Dutchman’). . . Much of his singing was subtly nuanced, relying on his marvelous breath control to expand through lengthy phrases. . .
- Opera News, May ’09

The title role was again portrayed by Amanda Roocroft in what must surely be the finest performance she has ever given, vocally and dramatically. Hers is now a definitive Jenufa . . . one of the most powerful histrionic performances to be seen on the current operatic stage.
- Opera, May ’09

Simon Keenlyside is one of Britain’s most sought-after and charismatic singers, noted for his versatility and highly charged performances on stage.
- www.askonasholt.co.uk

Our annual spring visit to London will again be highlighted by a pair of major productions by the Royal Opera at Covent Garden and an evening at the estimable English National Opera (ENO). And this year will mark our long overdue return to the Welsh National Opera to attend two thrilling performances in the company’s new Millennium Centre Opera House in Cardiff – the Donald Gordon Theatre. A total of five operas will be included in our week-long program (three of which will be innovative new productions), with four nights in London followed by three nights in Cardiff.

Our week will begin with Mozart’s immortal Le Nozze di Figaro and a new production of Massenet’s Manon featuring today’s foremost international artists. The glamorous Russian soprano Anna Netrebko will assume the title role of ‘Manon’, while the outsanding ensemble cast for ‘Figaro’ includes Soile Isokoski, Camilla Tilling, Christine Shäfer, Mariusz Kwiecien and Erwin Schrott. Our performance by the English National Opera will be a new production of Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, a popular rarity for its famous tenor/baritone duet and a plethora of romantic melodies. The Royal Opera’s resplendent orchestra is in prime condition under Italian Music Director Antonio Pappano, and the ENO is enjoying a similar surge of acclaim under the young Music Director Edward Gardner.

A several-hour bus ride from London will take us to the Welsh capital of Cardiff for the culmination of our week. The Welsh National Opera is mounting a new production of Wagner’s towering human comedy Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Verdi’s masterful Rigoletto to showcase two of the British Isles’ consummate male singers. The great Welsh bass/baritone will portray Wagner’s Hans Sachs for the first time in his career, while British baritone Simon Keenlyside will offer his role debut as the hunchback Rigoletto. The superlative sopranos will be London’s Amanda Roocroft as Eva and the radiant American Sarah Coburn as Gilda. We are gratified to have our confirmed orchestra seats for these two landmark events in Cardiff’s beautiful new state-of-the-art opera house.

Late June is an optimum period to enjoy London’s museums and restaurants. The weather should be ideal for our drive through the beautiful English and Welsh countryside en route to Cardiff for our final few days. This Tour is restricted to only 16 people because of the limited ticket availability at Covent Garden and the Welsh National Opera.

Tuesday, June 22nd, departure from New York’s Kennedy Airport at 5:45 p.m. on Aer Lingus flight #104, arriving at Dublin’s international airport at 5:15 am on the morning of the 23rd. This connects with Aer Lingus #152, departing Dublin at 6:40 am and arriving at London’s HEATHROW Airport at 8:05 a.m. Or independent travel to London.

IMPORTANT: Please note that our Aer Lingus itinerary (NY-Dublin-London and returning Cardiff-Dublin-NY) offers by far the best rate. Of course you are free to arrange your own direct flights through London if you prefer, but our return itinerary is far more efficient than a several-hour transfer from Cardiff back to London (by train or very expensive car).

LONDON: June 23rd – 26th

Accommodations for four nights with full buffet breakfast at the Kingsway Hall Hotel, a particularly convenient hotel which has been enthusiastically discovered by many of our recent travelers. The Kingsway Hall is a comfortable, fully-serviced four-star property ideally located a few minutes walk from Covent Garden and within reasonable walking distance of many West End theatres. For our busy evening schedule, you will be grateful that we will not have to rely on early bus departures during the heaviest London traffic. The Kingsway Hall’s public rooms include the Harlequin Restaurant and the Lounge Bar, and there is a small gym with Jacuzzi and steam room. Many attractive restaurants, cafés and shops are easily accessible in the Covent Garden neighborhood.

IMPORTANT: There WILL be a performance on the first evening of our Tour. If you prefer to arrive a day early to adjust to the time change, we will be happy to reserve your room for the additional early night of June 22nd. You should notify us NOW, as hotel rooms in London during high season are in great demand.

CARDIFF (Wales): June 27th – 29th

Accommodations for three nights at Cardiff’s St. David Hotel & Spa, a five-star luxury property situated on the city’s waterfront with panoramic views over Cardiff Bay. The contemporary style extends throughout the hotel and spa, and the Tides Bar, Terrace and Restaurant offer afternoon tea and full dinners. St. David’s is adjacent to Mermaid Quay’s wide range of restaurants and cafés and will be convenient for us to walk to the Millennium Centre’s opera house.