Welsh National Opera season.

17-21 Oct 2006. The Welsh National Opera presents a cycle of operas by Monteverdi, Puccini and Wagner, plus a performance of its acclaimed Chorus (18 Oct), a voyage through 400 years of music featuring excerpts from Bizets Carmen, Verdi's La Traviata, Handel's Semele and Wagner's epic Die Meistersinger. The season opens with Monteverdis The Return of Ulysses (17 & 19 Oct), featuring Paul Nilon in the title role. Telling the story of Penelopes fidelity and integrity as she waits long years for her husband Ulysses to return from the war, this production is directed by David Alden and designed by Ian MacNeil. There follows Puccinis La Bohme (20 Oct), the story of romantic love in the midst of hardship and poverty. Rebecca Jones sings the role of Mimi and Gwyn Jones is her lover Rodolfo. Gran Jrvefelt directs. Wagners epic Tristan and Isolde (21 Oct) closes the season, with a world-class cast including Annalena Persson, Robert Hayward and John Mac Master. Admission 49.50-15 except Tristan and Isolde 58-18. Performances start 19.15 17-20 Oct; 17.00 on 21 Oct.