Swansea City Opera will be back at Theatr Brycheiniog next month with La Bohème, following their highly-acclaimed 2015 tour of Faust.

This particular production is set in post WWII Paris and features some of the finest singers and orchestral players in the country.

It is sung in English, increasing accessibility for those new to the opera platform of storytelling. This is taken further by a free pre-performance talk designed to support those new to opera to maximize their enjoyment.

Swansea City Opera are also pleased to be working in partnership with Brecon Singers who will work alongside the professional artists supporting the choral requirements in three scenes of this popular opera.

For those familiar to opera the classic La Bohème contains many well-known musical highlights including ‘Che gelida manina’ (Your tiny hand is frozen) and ‘Mi chiamano Mimì’ (They call me Mimì), all performed with impressive live instrumentation from Swansea City Opera’s own orchestra.

Director of SCO Bridgett Gill said: "We are thrilled to be able to visit Brecon as part of our 2016 tour and look forward to welcoming audiences old and new to see this classic opera."

La Bohème promises to be a captivating, emotional journey for the eyes and ears, through this dark period of human history.

What the cast says

Mark Saberton

1. What was the most challenging element, if any, you faced for the La Boheme tour?

The biggest challenge was learning a new translation and making sure that all the words can be heard with clear diction.

2. Is there anything in particular about this production that stands out to you?

The production is set at the end of World War 2 which gives the story an interesting backdrop.

3. How do you think experienced opera audiences will view of this production of La Boheme?

All the usual elements are present for a production of Boheme. You will always get people who believe that you should honour the original time period but the story remains the same and is totally relevant in the 1940s.

4. How do you think audiences new to the opera genre will view this production of La Boheme?

I think they will enjoy first class voices and be impressed by the quality of the production.

5. What do you love about the character you play?

Schaunard is a fun-loving and carefree musician!

6. What do you hate about the character you play?

I would like my character to have a proper aria as well as the so-called parrot sketch which is a story constantly interrupted by the other students with random interjections. This tale is taken from the original Murger book. Schaunard goes along to give lessons to an eccentric Englishman who it turns out wants him to play his instrument until an annoying pet parrot drops dead. Bored of playing for three whole days he gives the bird some parsley which is poisonous to parrots! A charming story! These students are not necessarily nice people!

?7. Is there anything else about your experience taking part in this production you want to mention?

Angharad Morgan

1. What was the most challenging element, if any, you faced for the La Boheme tour?

I think La Boheme is not only one of the most iconic operas, but in my opinion the ,out beautiful. In fact it’s my favourite! What’s really tricky about the music is all the detail that Puccini puts into the score and how all the little extra nuances for the characters are so specific. When you hear the music it sounds like it’s so easy, but in fact it’s really not!

?2. Is there anything in particular about this production that stands out to you?

This production is set in 1940s Paris so it’s really accessible to everyone, plus it’s sung in English so there really is no reason that anyone should feel it isn’t for them. That coupled with Puccini’s amazing score, it really is a must see for everyone.

3. How do you think experienced opera audiences will view this production of La Boheme?

I think all audiences will be able to relate with this production, it’s got a very classic feel about it, it’s not fussy and the music really speaks through every character. It’s a really beautiful production to be part of.

4. How do you think audiences new to the opera genre will view this production of La Boheme?

This opera is so iconic, and everyone has their own ideals of how it should be, but I think if you’re new to opera then the production is one that is not too contemporary but not too traditional either. Plus as its sung in English it really means that every person can connect with each character and follow the story without the barrier of the language.

5. What do you love about the character you play?

Musetta really is the most amazing character, she’s feisty, glamorous, sexy, brash and outspoken. I think she’s amazing! I love her energy and her passion and how this comes out in Act 2, but I also love her kind heart and generosity which shows her softer side in Act 4. She’s such a joy to play!

6. What do you hate about the character you play?

I think the part I least like about Musetta is just how fickle she is, she clearly loves Marcello more than any other man she has had in her life, but her constant drive for a life of comfort and good fortune means she is really mean to him and abuses this love. It’s very sad!

Rebecca Goulden

1. What was the most challenging element, if any, you faced for the La Boheme tour?

Staying healthy for the duration of the tour and managing all the traveling with the performances.

?2. Is there anything in particular about this production that stands out to you?

La Boheme is set in 1840, this production has been updated to 1945, post-war Paris. When it is set has a big impact on the character and their relationship to others. So, from my perspective it’s refreshing to take a new look at a character I’ve played before.

3. How do you think experienced opera audiences will view of this production of La Boheme?

Obviously, I hope they love it. But La Boheme is a classic and this will always work in our favour. No matter how many productions you’ve seen, the story and the music are always fresh.

4. How do you think audiences new to the opera genre will view this production of La Boheme?

As above, this opera is popular because it captures you immediately. If you haven’t seen La Boheme before, you absolutely should!

Moreover, it’s a great first time opera for a number of reasons; it’s conscise, its tuneful (some of which you’ll already know) and the story is simple yet heartbreaking.

5. What do you love about the character you play?

She gets some of the best music in this piece, for which I’m very greatful to Puccini.

6. What do you hate about the character you play?

She’s too nice. It’s easier to play the baddie and very difficult to make the audience love you from the start so they mourn you at the end!

?7. Is there anything else about your experience taking part in this production you want to mention?

This is the 3rd year I’ve worked for Swansea City Opera and each time I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country and sing in some of the most beautiful venues I would otherwise have missed.

Tickets for this production, on April 2, are available from Box Office: 01874 611622 or http://www.brycheiniog.co.uk