A talented singer from Machen has returned from performing with Welsh National Opera (WNO) in Dubai.
Eliana Brealey, 12, was touring with the WNO in their production of Puccini’s La Boheme, one of opera’s most popular love affairs, between the young poet Rodolfo and seamstress Mimi.
First performed in 1897, the opera is split into four acts, and has become one of the most frequently performed operas in the world.
Eliana is no stranger to performing on the national stage, having previously sung with Only Kids Aloud and the National Youth Opera, and was chosen as one of just 12 children to join the operatic production.
The tour opened at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, before moving on to Dubai for three dates at the recently-opened 2,000-seater Opera House. The performance then returned for a spell across the UK.
While in Dubai, Eliana and her family had time to savour all the sights and sounds of the Middle-Eastern city, including a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Eliana said: “I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every minute of the tour.
“Everyone got to know each other and looked out for each other and it was like one big happy family. It was a wonderful experience.”
The teenager studies at Llandovery College, claims her favourite subject to be music, and receives singing lessons from former West End star Claire Hammacott.
The college’s warden, Guy Ayling, said: “Llandovery College has a particularly rich heritage of performance and we are extremely proud of our latest talent.”