OPERA lovers have the chance to see Rossini's magical work Cinderella sung in Italian by Romanian opera stars.

Between Thursday, May 13 and Saturday, May 15, Le Cenerentola is being performed by the Romanian State Opera Brasov in its mother tongue at Malvern Theatres, with a unique blend of sadness and humour, gaiety and pathos.

And there's no rest for the wicked, with the company performing Don Pasquale, also in Italian, at the venue on May 14.

Founded in 1953, the Romanian State Opera Brasov marks a culmination of a long tradition of music.

As a well-known centre for opera since the early 19th Century, the Romanian City of Brasov has been home to the state opera for nearly 50 years.

Acclaimed throughout Europe for its high quality soloists and chorus, the highly-trained company will be accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra as it sets British stages alight with its versions of the two classic operatic works.

First performed in 1817, Rossini's La Cenerentola had been staged in all Europe's major opera houses by 1820 and has seldom been out of the repertoire since.

As well as a host of well-known arias, including Cinderella's Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto from the closing scene, there are wonderful duets, exhilarating choruses and sparkling orchestration, all coloured by Rossini's naturally uplifting music.

Don Pasquale was Donizetti's last comic opera and critics and experts alike still consider it to be one of the most brilliant ever.

The story of a rich and elderly bachelor, who wishes to marry to spite his nephew who otherwise stands to inherit his fortune, is a charming tale that explores the follies of young and old alike.

Besides its unforgettable serenade and glorious bel canto arias, Don Pasquale includes the famous duet - Cheti, cheti, imantinente between the Don and his friend Malatesta, one of the greatest comic duets of all time.

Both operas run at the Festival Theatre, Malvern. Tickets are £18-£22 and are available from the box office on 01684 892277 or online at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk