MUSIC THEATRE WALES

SIZE OF COMPANY
3–28 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Middle-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Joint Artistic Director
Michael McCarthy

Joint Artistic Director
Michael Rafferty

General Manager
Rachel Dominy

ARTISTIC POLICY
Music Theatre Wales tours visually arresting and virtuosic performances of contemporary chamber opera throughout the UK and internationally. The company regularly commissions work from experienced composers and writers of the highest calibre, challenging expectations and expanding the future repertoire. It also presents contemporary classics of the genre which demand further exposure and an opportunity to reach new audiences.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
‘Another high-quality show from a company always ahead of the game.’ The Times (Julie)

‘Michael Rafferty conducts with verve, and the orchestral playing is superb. The cast is fine too.’ The Daily Telegraph (Julie)

‘Julie is a product of the highest calibre performed in a medium actively seeking to engage 21st century audiences.’ Buzz Magazine

CURRENT PRODUCTION
Julie By Philippe Boesmans. In his most recent chamber opera based on the play by Strindberg, Boesmans presents one of the classic dramas of the modern age in a new musical light. (73 mins, 3 singers, 18 musicians, 28 on the road.)

FUTURE PRODUCTION
For You MTW commissions Ian McEwan to create his first opera libretto. Michael Berkeley builds on past success with this: his most dramatic and passionate opera to date. (Running time tbc, 6 singers, 14 musicians, 27 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
Pre- and post-performance talks, schools and university workshops and study events.

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Julie from January 2008
For You July–September 2008 and 2009