Puss in Boots (El Gato con Botas)

Montsalvatge

MWO SmallStages
Autumn 2022

 

David Truslove, Opera Today

“If you’re not familiar with Montsalvatge, there’s no need to worry, for his wonderfully communicative and comic score (not unlike a panto) is packed with engaging tunes”

Opera Today – read the full review

These dates are all in the past.

Mid Wales Opera’s fifth SmallStages tour kicks off our Fairy Tale season with Catalan composer Montsalvatge’s beautifully crafted one-act version of the familiar tale of ‘Puss in Boots’, El Gato con botas.

Premiered in Barcelona in 1948, and rarely performed, this age-old children’s story tells of the wealth-seeking, match-making cat who, in return for a hat, a sword and a pair of boots, secures for his young master (a lowly miller) a kingdom and a royal marriage to a princess, tricking a slow-witted ogre out of his castle along the way. 

From its opening Montsalvatge’s music is energetic, tuneful and full of catchy rhythms, lush melodies and feline musical effects! This new MWO production is perfect for family audiences, and a great way to introduce youngsters to opera. MWO’s production features 5 singers and 5 musicians, singing in English with a new chamber arrangement by Jonathan Lyness. The second half will feature a cabaret-style collection of popular and entertaining musical items featuring all singers and musicians. 

Sung in English

Colwinston Charitable Trust Logo
Wed 19 OctoberTaliesin Arts Centre, Swansea [with BSL interpretation by Julie Doyle]
Wed 26 OctoberTheatr Clwyd, Mold
Fri 4 NovemberLudlow Assembly Rooms
Thu 10 NovemberTheatr Brycheiniog, Brecon Change of venue
Sat 12 NovemberNeuadd Dyfi, Aberdovey


Music: Xavier Montsalvatge
Chamber Arrangement: Jonathan Lyness
Libretto: Néstor Luján
English Translation: Richard Studer

Performed by arrangement with Faber Music Ltd, London on behalf of Peermusic Classical.

Opera: 60 mins
INTERVAL
Second half entertainment: 35 mins

Singers

Cat: Martha Jones
Miller: Huw Ynyr
King: Philip Smith
Princess: Alys Mererid Roberts
Ogre: Trevor Eliot Bowes

Musicians

Violin: Elenid Owen
Bassoon: Alanna Pennar-Macfarlane
Trumpet: Jac Thomas
Percussion: James Harrison
Piano: Jonathan Lyness

Director/Designer: Richard Studer
Music Director: Jonathan Lyness

 

coming soon

MainStages 2023

 

Hansel and Gretel

This new production is sung in English with a cast of young professional singers, together with a chorus of children assembled locally for each theatre. 

Find out more

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