ANOTHER glittering series of classic opera productions awaits fans of the glorious tradition with a triumvirate of greats in Llandudno this April.

The Welsh National Opera returns to Venue Cymru for four nights from Wednesday, April 24 with the works of Verdi, Mozart and Donizetti.

Led by Artistic Director David Pountney, one of the world’s most influential opera directors, the WNO combines the very best talent to share its unique power and rich mix of skills and expertise – both on-stage and off – to create some truly unmissable operatic performances.

North Wales Pioneer:

Opening the WNO's spring season on Wednesday 24 at 7.30pm is Verdi's Un ballo maschera, where love, power and politics collide in a tale based on the real life assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden, who was shot at a masked ball in 1792.

Riccardo, the tragic King, adores Amelia, but when her husband discovers their love affair, he plots against the king, leading to murder on the dancefloor. Gwyn Hughes Jones leads the cast as Riccardo in this tale of deception, intrigue, love and revenge.

The score is one of Verdi’s most intense, providing the musical passion that drives this thrilling new production, with WNO Artistic Director David Pountney re-uniting with WNO conductor Laureate Carlo Rizzi and the same creative team behind La forza del destino for the second part of their Verdi Trilogy.

North Wales Pioneer:

On Thursday 25 at 7.15pm and Saturday 27 at 3pm Mozart's The Magic Flute welcomes the mysterious Queen of the Night to the stage, as she coaxes Tamino to rescue her beautiful daughter Pamina from the grip of the evil enchanter Sarastro.

With a magic flute and a set of magic bells for protection he sets off on his journey aided by Papageno, the bird-catcher. But as they overcome a series of challenges, it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems – will they complete their quest and find true love?

This irresistible production transports you to a dream world where you’ll meet colourful characters including a newspaper-reading lion and a fish doubling as a bicycle. Combined with a witty story, moments of enchantment and Mozart’s sublime music, including the magnificent Queen of the Night aria, it adds up to an unforgettable opera experience for all ages.

The third production this year's spring season on Friday 26 at 7.30pm is Donizetti's Roberto Devereux, which finds the titular character attempting to gain his freedom by simply presenting the ring his lover, Queen Elizabeth I, has bestowed upon him.

But Devereux is secretly in love with Sara, who he refuses to renounce, leaving Elizabeth heartbroken and compelled to sign his death warrant.

Roberto Devereux contains some of Donizetti’s most spine-tingling melodies including the emotional Vivi, in grato, a lei accanto performed by Elizabeth I as her world falls apart around her in a heart wrenching finale. WNO’s critically-acclaimed production has a dramatic intensity and a striking design guaranteed to leave your heart racing.

For the opportunity to be whisked away by some of the most soaring arias and spellbinding librettos ever created, head to Venue Cymru this April.

Tickets start at £16.50, and each of the performances will feature free pre-show talks by the WNO for all ticket holders. TO book or for more information visit venuecymru.co.uk or call the box office on 01492 872000.