Richard Strauss’ powerful, intoxicating and finally shattering opera Salome is one of the great achievements of music theatre of the last century. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play, Salome tells a dark story of faith, violence, sex and sensuality and is a theatrical experience that will leave the senses reeling.

"the score has the pacing of a modern pshychological thriller"

The Guardian

WNO’s Salome is conducted by Lothar Koenigs, who will begin his appointment as WNO’s Music Director in August 2009.

Salome is sung in German with an electronic surtitles screen above the stage carrying a translation in English (and Welsh in Wales) of everything that is being sung - so its easy to follow all the action! Check when booking your tickets that a view of the surtitles is available from the seats you chose.

Please note 8pm start time
Salome runs for approximately 1 hours 45 minutes with no interval

Welsh National Opera's second live Twitter event takes places today at www.twitter.com/opera24.

The intrepid mole digs deep behind the scenes at Birmingham Hippodrome where WNO is staging a production of Strauss's Salome.

Mole will be joined by photographer David Massey and Marketing Manager Jodi Bennett providing translation to reveal the preparations behind the scenes as singers, musicians and stage crew get ready for countdown. From a Principal singer performing yogic headstands to heating up the wig oven, there won't be a dull moment...

Conductor Lothar Koenigs (excluding 1 April) Conductor Andrew Greenwood (1 April) Director André Engel Designer Nick Rieti Costume Designer Elizabeth Neumuller Lighting Designer André Diot Choreographer François Grès