Ariadne auf Naxos, Welsh National Opera, Cardiff
By Richard Fairman
Published: September 14 2004 03:00 | Last updated: September 14 2004 03:00

The Prologue to Ariadne auf Naxos is all about the backstage shenanigans before a performance - a bit near the knuckle for Welsh National Opera, which has been having some behind-the-scenes bother of its own. With the peremptory departure of its new music director the company is suddenly having to rustle up conductors for much of the coming season or two.

This could not have come at a worse time for WNO, just before it is due to move into its new home at the much-heralded Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. With no time to be lost Carlo Rizzi, WNO's previous music director, has been re-appointed to the job for a two-year period, and - fingers crossed - the curtain is about to go up on a historic season.

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