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Debut of Wales Milennium Centre
By Ron Bernthal
Wales was never famous for its modern architecture, but
who could not love its medieval castles, its 17 th and 18
th century rural cottages, or the tumbling ruins of its
19 th century iron factories and the historic coal miners'
houses, laid out in somber rows between the grey and overworked
hills of the mining valleys.
But with the completion of the Wales Millennium Centre,
Europe's most talked about performing arts venue, the Welsh
capital of Cardiff has entered the rarified architectural
air of cities like Bilbao, with its Frank Gehry-designed
Guggenheim Museum, or
Located on the Cardiff waterfront, the Wales Millennium
Centre was designed by Welsh architect Jonathan Adams, and
the materials used in its construction are reflective of
Welsh life--- the layered strata of sea cliffs, the texture
and color of the steel, the Welsh hardwoods and the multi-colored
slate of North Wales.
The building, known locally as the “Armadillo”
because of its signature curved roof, overlooks the newly
fashionable and restored Cardiff Bay neighborhood, the former
docks area now buzzing with trendy shops, restaurants, and
landscaped plazas.
The Centre opened at the end of Novemberlast month with
a weekend of special performances, including a gala event
attended by Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke
of Edenborough. Upcoming performances include the Welsh
National Opera's La Traviata (Feb. 18- Mar. 11); The Kirov
Ballet (Apr. 19 – 30); Miss Saigon (June 7-July 9);
and Swan Lake (July 13-16).
“We will have some major names performing here, “
said Judith Isherwood, Chief Executive of the Millennium
Centre. “None of the big ballet companies have ever
toured Wales , which is truly amazing when you consider
the incredible musical heritage that is Wales .”
Ms. Isherwood was previously the Director of Performing
Arts for the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and now oversees
the $200 million WMC.
In addition to musical and dance performances, the Wales
Millennium Centre is the new home of the Welsh National
Opera, and will also host childrens' programs, lectures,
films, workshops, and ongoing art exhibitions. For information
about upcoming performances and ticket purchases: http://wmc.org.uk
© Ron Bernthal – No editorial content, portions
of articles, or photographs from this site may be used in
any print, broadcast, or Web-based format without written
permission from the author or Web site developer.
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