CARMARTHENSHIRE opera fans are in for a treat as Camille Saint-Saens’ production Samson and Deliah heads to Burry Port next month.

Produced by the Burry Port Opera Group it is the first time the performance has been put on in the town for 27 years.

The three-act opera, which is being performed at the Memorial Hall once again, tells the Biblical story of the Israeli hero Samson and the sensationally beautiful Delilah.

Samson aims to free his Hebrew nation from Philistine captivity. Delilah,a Philistine maiden, has other ideas. Through her charm, she endeavours to distract him from his plans. But Samson is determined to choose his God and his people and spurns Delilah’s false affection. Scorned, she resolves to destroy him and his legendary strength.

Lauren Easton ,an exciting young Australian mezzo-soprano,takes the part of Delilah, whilst Samson is played by the tenor Philip O’Brien . Michael Dewis, a British baritone, takes the role of the High Priest of Dagon.

The Opera is a dazzling virtuoso and expressive vehicle for the the principals and is admired for its combination of brilliant sound and dramatic emotion. These qualities are quite evident in the famous Bacchanale, the orgiastic percussion driven dance that precedes Samson’s destruction of the Philistine temple in Act three.

The production takes to the stage on October 19, 21 and 22. For tickets contact Christine Rudge on 01554 835659 or e-mail chrisrudge@live.com. For further information see the opera’s website burryportopera.org.uk