OPERA fans are in for a treat when the Romanian State Opera Brasov visits Malvern.

The company will perform Rossini's La Cenerentola and Donizetti's Don Pasquale at the Festival Theatre.

Based on the story of Cinderella by Charles Perrault, La Cenerentola was first performed in 1817 and has rarely been out of repertoire since.

It features duets, trios and ensembles, choruses and orchestration typical of the composer and is known for its blend of sadness and humour, gaiety and pathos.

Don Pasquale is Donizetti's last comic opera. First performed in 1843, it tells the story of a rich and elderly bachelor, who wishes to marry purely to spite his nephew, who otherwise stands to inherit his fortune.

The opera goes on to explore the follies made by the young and old alike, incorporating a well-known serenade, bel canto arias and the famous duet between the Don and his friend Malatesta.

Well-known as a centre for opera since the early 19th Century, the Romanian city of Brasov has been home to the state opera for 50 years.

Its Romanian State Opera Brasov is acclaimed throughout Europe for its high quality soloists and chorus, accompanied by a 35-piece orchestra. It will perform the two operas in their original Italian.

La Cenerentola will be staged in Malvern on May 13 and 15 and Don Pasquale on May 14. Both begin at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £18 to £22 or £17.50 each when tickets are booked for both operas. Call Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277.