THE celebrated Welsh National Opera Orchestra will take to the road in the New Year and Southampton’s Turner Sims is one of just a select number of international dates outside Wales.

The orchestra will give a family concert in Southampton for the first time on March 25.

Conductor James Southall will be joined by presenter Wynne Evans who will present a fun and informative concert to introduce audiences of all ages to some of opera’s most iconic arias, with popular orchestral classics as well as music from film scores.

The concert is a great opportunity for families to enjoy an afternoon of stunning music and free family-friendly foyer activities.

The only other chances to see the talented musicians in action outside Wales this spring are at the Hong Kong Festival.

The date fits with performing the main scale season of operas with the company when Welsh National Opera presents a feast of Italian operas from three of the greatest composers for its spring season, which is at Mayflower Theatre from March 21 to 24.

The season, entitled Rabble Rousers, will feature a new production of Verdi’s La forza del destino alongside revivals of Puccini’s Tosca and Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now from 023 8059 5151 or turnersims.co.uk with WNO spring season tickets available from 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk