Mid Wales Opera's production of Pagliacci has been hailed as an 'extraordinary success.'

The SmallStages production, which toured across Wales and the Borders, was 'met with critical acclaim' and a 37 per cent increase in average ticket sales per venue compared to the previous year.

The production received a four-star review from The Guardian's Rian Evans, who said: "Pagliacci review – Mid Wales Opera send in the clowns for a stylish and emotive evening.

"Leoncavallo’s short opera has been downscaled for a chamber orchestra and given a simple but effective staging, rounded off with some surprise razzle-dazzle."

Audiences across the tour were equally impressed, with many praising the production's accessibility and high-quality performances.

Comments included: "Absolutely fabulous! A must-see and a fantastic example of making opera accessible to more people in Wales," and "Having seen large-scale productions before, I was blown away by the vocal performances and the phenomenal production quality from Mid Wales Opera."

The production was met with 'critical acclaim', including a glowing four-star review from Rian Evans in The GuardianThe production was met with 'critical acclaim', including a glowing four-star review from Rian Evans in The Guardian (Image: Matthew Williams-Ellis)

This success comes a year after Mid Wales Opera lost its annual core funding grant from the Arts Council of Wales.

Despite this setback, the company has continued to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that opera and classical music continue to thrive in rural Wales.

The company received a lifeline in the form of a grant from Powys County Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as support from friends, donors, and audiences.

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This has allowed them to begin business planning for the next two years and continue their work in schools across mid-Wales.

In November, Mid Wales Opera received further good news when the Colwinston Charitable Trust awarded them a grant to cover the next two years of activity.

This will allow them to continue their SmallStages tours and education work.

Mid Wales Opera chair Gareth Williams said: "Thanks to the enormous outpouring of love – and money – from our friends and supporters, and from opera lovers across the country, Mid Wales Opera is very much alive and kicking.

"While the loss of two-thirds of our income has altered our plans, we are determined to continue our annual SmallStages productions and education work.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point."

However, the company still faces the challenge of raising at least £25,000 per year to secure its future.

They have appealed for donations, saying that every contribution, whether £5 or £5,000, will help keep live opera thriving for the communities they serve.

Donations can be made online or by contacting the company at admin@midwalesopera.co.uk.