Puccini's Gianni Schicchi With Italian Concert – The Hafren, Newtown

About this event

This production is part of Mid Wales Opera’s SmallStages Autumn Tour 2026, a touring initiative bringing opera to venues across Wales and the Welsh borders that would not normally host full-scale opera. The SmallStages model prioritises accessibility and intimacy, using reduced forces to present opera in community and arts centre spaces. Jonathan Lyness provides a chamber arrangement that preserves the character of Puccini’s score while fitting the touring format, and the performance is given in an English translation by Richard Studer to welcome audiences new to the work. The evening is structured in two halves: the first half presents the complete opera Gianni Schicchi; the second half offers a concert of popular Italian music performed by MWO’s 15-strong company of singers and musicians. A touch tour is available at select venues (confirmed for Aberystwyth Arts Centre), led by Production Manager Bridget Wallbank or Artistic Director Richard Studer, reflecting the company’s commitment to accessibility.

Cast & creative

• 

  Conductor

  Jonathan Lyness
• R

  Stage director

  Richard Studer
• R

  English Translator

  Richard Studer
• B

  Production Manager

  Bridget Wallbank
• G

  Composer

  Giacomo Puccini
• G

  Librettist

  Giuseppe Adami
• G

  Librettist

  Giovacchino Forzano