ONE of the world's best-known opera companies celebrating its 60th anniversary with a trio of productions is something that should at least be tried. And indeed, it was well worth it.

With Marriage of Figaro as one of its shows, Welsh National Opera helped Mozart celebrate a birthday as well, part of 250th anniversary celebrations of the composer's birth.

A great choice in itself, the timeless comic classic offers the singers a chance to show off not only their superior voices but also their acting capabilities, telling the tale of a couple's attempts to marry despite plenty of confusion, mistaken identity and secret liaisons.

The night I saw the performance, the surtitles (computerised subtitles over the stage for those non-regular opera-goers) were broken, meaning we had to watch the first two acts without really understanding the beautiful Italian lyrics being sung.

Although for me this was a blessing in disguise as it meant you could allow yourself to be drawn into the story and the general mood as well as enjoying the music, without letting your attention be diverted by worrying about what was being said word-for-word.

A small cast provided energy, humour, passion and beautiful music.

The opera itself was long - but more because the story is fairly complicated rather than the usual case of the same lines being sung over and over again for 10 minutes.

For people who may be put off by opera, this is a great one to start with as it is amusing and light-hearted, with some brilliant music that you may well recognise.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but well worth a try at least once - especially when, as in this case, it is done by the best.

ECB