Themes of power, revenge, and the supernatural make Shakespeare’s Macbeth a natural prospect for operatic treatment. Unlike the questionably loose Shakespeare adaptations from earlier in the century, Verdi and Piave’s Macbeth is one of the first Italian operas to engage directly with the original. From the raucous witches (here magnified into a chorus) to the machinations and ravings of Lady Macbeth to a terrifying vision of Banquo’s ghost and his royal line, Verdi’s music more than rises to the dramatic challenges. This promises to be a thrilling evening for Verdians and Shakespeare lovers alike. Grant Llewellyn makes a welcome return to the podium, along with a superb cast of singers including Alexey Gusev, Mari Wyn Williams, Simon Wilding, José de Eça, Caroline Carragher, Jay Broadhurst, and Kevin Hollands. Concert performance in Italian with English surtitles. 3.45pm: Pre-concert Talk With Dr Flora Willson (free to ticket-holders)