REHEARSALS start on Monday at Newtown’s Hafren theatre for Mid Wales Opera’s (MWO) first ever production of Tchaikovsky’s lyrical masterpiece 'Eugene Onegin'.

This landmark in their 30 year history include tenor Robyn Lyn Evans makes his role debut as Lensky.

Robyn is from Pontrhydygroes and lives in Machynlleth and he said: “Eugene Onegin is an opera I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to perform for a long time. It’s got such beautiful music. I’ve never performed Lensky before, but everyone tells me it’s such a fabulous role. I’m also really looking forward to singing Lensky’s aria in context, as I did sing it some 20 years ago in the National Eisteddfod of Wales, however, that was in Welsh.”

The company will do schools assembly performances at Newtown High on Tuesday, and at Caereinion on Wednesday, with some of the singers, ahead of the gala opening night at The Hafren on Saturday, February 24.

The chorus for the Newtown performance will be the local Quindici Chamber Choir who will be known to many readers.

The tour will go on to include Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Wednesday, February 28; Bangor, Newport, Mold, Brecon’s Theatr Brycheiniog on Wednesday, March 21; Llanelli, Milford Haven and ending in Hereford Courtyard theatre on April 10.

With a cast which mixes rising stars with more established talent, and an orchestra supplied by Wales based chamber music specialists Ensemble Cymru in their first partnership with MWO, the nine venue tour promises to be a real treat for Welsh audiences.

The role of Tatyana in MWO’s touring production will be played by British Soprano Elizabeth Karani, while charismatic British baritone George Von Bergen returns to the role of Eugene Onegin, a role he has relished through previous productions with other companies since first performing the role in 2006.

For full details of their Eugene Onegin tour dates go to www.midwalesopera.co.uk, and for ticket availability for Newtown call the box office on 01686 614555.