HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of Welsh National Opera, attended a performance of WNO’s new production of “La Forza del Destino” during the opening night performance on Feb. 2, 2018.

His Royal Highness, who has been a patron of the Welsh National Opera since 1997, was met by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfudd Meredith, and hosts including WNO Honorary President Mathew Prichard, WNO Chairman Mark Molyneux, WNO Artistic Director David Pountney, WNO Managing Director Leonora Thomson and WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus.

The Prince was also greeted by 72 young singers aged 10 to 18 from WNO Youth Opera singing “Sisi Ni Moja” (We Are One) by Jacob Narverud accompanied by WNO percussionist Jonathan Helm.

Following the performance, the Prince of Wales was introduced to the performers and company members who performed that evening.

Director Pountney said “We were very proud to welcome our patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, to this important premiere of La Forza del Destino, to launch our Verdi trilogy. HRH is an enthusiastic supporter of our work and we greatly value his encouragement and enthusiasm.”

Ambassador Raffaele Trombetta said: “It is a true honor for me to serve as Patron of the Verdi Trilogy and I am most grateful to Welsh National Opera for their important contribution in furthering the reach of Italian opera across the whole of the UK.”