Mark Le Brocq in Death in Venice

Mark Le Brocq (Craig 1979-84) has received a number of outstanding reviews for his performance as Gustav von Aschenbach in the Welsh National Opera's production of Benjamin Britten's opera Death in Venice.

Based on the Thomas Mann novella, it tells the story of the author von Aschenbach's obsession with the boy Tadzio, whom he glimpses among the guests staying at a hotel in Venice.

The Daily Telegraph gave the production five stars and said that Mark 'continually commands the stage'. The Financial Times also awarded it five stars and said that, 'in a role that is almost a three-hour monologue', Mark 'is unfailingly clear and communicative, making even the most philosophical of Aschenbach’s musings easily understood.' And the Guardian commented: 'the work makes huge demands on the tenor singing the role of Gustav von Aschenbach - heroically sung here by Mark Le Brocq.'

The production is described by the Guardian as 'a stunning spectacle', with the part of Tadzio, a non-singing role traditionally played by a dancer, portrayed by an aerial acrobat, Antony César.

The production premiered at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, and is currently on tour to Llandudno, Southampton, Oxford, Bristol and Birmingham. More details are on the WNO website.