Welsh National Opera marks Battle of Somme centenary

A new opera commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme will have its premiere in Cardiff on Friday night.

In Parenthesis is British composer Iain Bell's adaptation of the epic poem by David Jones, who fought in the Battle of Mametz Wood.

Welsh National Opera is also presenting a programme of youth and community projects to coincide with it.

The opera, at the Wales Millennium Centre, tells the story of the heavy losses suffered by the Royal Welch Fusiliers through the eyes of Pte John Ball.

It has been commissioned by the Nicholas John Trust with 14-18 NOW, the UK's arts programme for the World War One centenary, and will tour to Birmingham and the Royal Opera House in London.

Director David Pountney, composer Iain Bell and tenor Andrew Bidlack - who plays Pte Ball - have spoken about the new work.