An operatic masterpiece and one of Tchaikovsky's greatest works, The Queen of Spades was written in just 44 days.

The Queen of Spades is based on Alexander Pushkin's novella, a short masterpiece about a man who loses his fortune and his mind to cards. Herman, an army officer becomes obsessed with learning the secret of the three cards from the Countess. The Countess - who is known as The Queen of Spades - can only reveal the secret to three men wihout facing death. She has already told two men the secret, so cannot answer Herman's question. His obsession costs him dearly - possessions, the womanhe loves and ultimately his own life.

When WNO first performed this work, it was highly praised by both critics and audiences.

"Once every few seasons, a production gets pretty much everything right. This is one. Musically first class, dramatically spine-chilling, visually spare and coherent, it was the kind of theatrical experience which changes the way you look at life - not a comment to be made lightly." THE OBSERVER

"Jones' direction is of a quality that one rarely encounters in the opera house: subtle, shocking, highly intelligent." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

This is the first opportunity to see this multi award-winning production since 2000. Since then WNO has built on this reputation through its acclaimed Russian Series
- with Eugene Onegin, Iolanta, Mazepa and Khovanshchina - all of which have been loved by audiences and acclaimed by critics.

Co- production with Den Norske Opera, Teatro Communale di Bologna and Canadian Opera Company.

Performed at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on Wednesday 13, Saturday 16, Tuesday 19 May and Thursday 4 June 2009 at 7pm.

Birmingham Hippodrome: Friday 29 May at 7pm. To book tickets click here.

NOW'S THE TIME! - Becoming a Subscriber is a great way to plan your year of opera-going ahead.

Cardiff Subscription Series 2008/2009 booking is now open by post only using a Subscription brochure. To request a brochure please click here (and state that you would like to receive a Cardiff Subscription brochure). Public individual opera booking is now open (online, phone and counter sales).
 

Birmingham Subscription Series 2008/2009 booking opens on 10 March by post only using a Subscription brochure. To request a brochure please click here and state that you would like to received a Birmingham Subscription brochre. Public individual opera booking is now open (online, phone and counter sales).