The performance culminates with the terrifying blurring of reality between stage and real life witnessed by a terrified audience. Packed with sensational music, Pagliacci retains its cult status as the ultimate operatic ‘play-within-a-play’.

MWO’s new production features a cast of 5 singers and 5 musicians, with a new English
translation by Richard Studer, and a new chamber arrangement by Jonathan Lyness. With less than a month to go until their performance here at The Holroyd Community Theatre, we take a look at all the incredible creatives taking on Pagliacci.

Who are the creative team?

Jonathan Lyness, Music Director Born in London, Jonathan read music at Bristol University and later studied conducting with George Hurst. He is Music Director of Mid
Wales Opera, Ludlow Orchestra and Opera Project which he co-founded in 1993.

Richard Studer, Director / Designer Richard made his professional opera debut in 1994 at The Bristol Old Vic. His repertoire spans from Monteverdi to Philip Glass at festivals and theatres across the UK, including Longborough Festival Opera where he has directed both Britten and Janácek. He is co-founder and Artistic Director of Opera Project with whom he has had a longstanding collaboration with the award-winning
Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.

Who is in the cast?

Tenor Robyn Lyn Evans was raised in Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Ceredigion, but now lives in Machynlleth with his young family. He graduated from Trinity College Carmarthen where he was awarded the Stuart Burrows bursary and from the Royal College of Music, London.

Welsh Soprano Elin Pritchard studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the National Opera Studio. A Samling Artist, her recent and future operatic roles include title role Tosca (Mid Wales Opera)

One time zoologist and National Otter Surveyor of England, Philip Smith hung up his waders to study singing – first at the Birmingham Conservatoire and then at the Royal Northern College of Music. Philip’s recent operatic work has seen him perform principal roles for the Royal Opera House at The Globe, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Teatro Petruzzelli di Bari, Polish National Opera and WNO.

Sam Marston most recently covered Tom Rakewell The Rake’s Progress (The Grange Festival) and performed Frederic The Pirates of Penzance and Nanki-Poo The Mikado (National G & S Opera Company at Buxton Opera House).

Johnny Herford is thrilled to be returning to Mid Wales Opera after performing in 2019’s production of Mrs Peachum’s Guide to Love and Marriage. Elsewhere he has performed for opera companies including English National Opera, Opera di Roma, Opera Philadelphia, Opéra National de Lorraine, Scottish Opera and others, particularly Music Theatre Wales, for whom he has sung lead roles

Who is in the Orchestra?

Nicola Pearce studied cello at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music and then taught at Westminster School, London and worked as a freelance cellist. She lives in North Wales and plays principal cello for Ensemble Cymru, WCO, Mid Wales Opera, Opra Cymru, North Wales Orchestra and Aberystwyth Choral Society. Nicki teaches all levels and ages privately, at Bangor University and at the Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, where she also conducts the community orchestra and runs the chamber music coaching.

Elenid Owen was, for 24 years, a member of the Quatuor Ludwig giving over 1500 concerts and masterclasses worldwide and recording 20 CD’s for “Naxos”, “Naïve” and “Universal” labels. She was made “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres“ by the French Ministry for Culture in 2012.

Elfair Grug completed her master’s degree at the RNCM in Manchester, after gaining her BMus degree at the conservatoire as an ABRSM Scholar. Elfair has embarked on a professional career as a harpist, releasing her debut solo album with SAIN records, touring with CLOUDS Harp Quartet, and freelancing with orchestras.

Peryn Clement-Evans is principal clarinettist and founding Artistic Director of Ensemble Cymru. As a chamber musician, Peryn has given first performances and commissioned music by composers in Wales including Mared Emlyn, Gareth Glyn, Lynne Plowman and John Metcalf.

On the night

As with previous SmallStages performances, the opera forms just the first half of the evening. The second half will feature a newly created cabaret of popular and entertaining musical items featuring all singers and musicians for audiences to revel in and enjoy.

The Holroyd Community Theatre bar will be open to audience members from 6.30m on Tuesday 12th November, for a 7.30pm performance!

Book your tickets to see Pagliacci today