With the recent changes to UK Arts funding, we must cherish the visits that Welsh National Opera continue to make to Oxford each seasonal window. They are a company with a reputation that stretches far beyond their home country. On the basis of this production, they are major players on the international opera scene.

If an opera about a woman cursed with immortality does not sound immediately appealing, you would be wrong. It is dramatic, thoughtful, passionate, witty and engaging.

Janacek is not a composer who sends you home whistling the hit tunes from his scores. But he creates music that perfectly reflects the character, situation and psychology of all of those on stage. At times, the sound is overwhelming in terms of power and impact and the next minute, you are treated to the most gentle and chamber-like underscoring. There is a cinematic quality to his music that makes it both complex and accessible at the same time.

In The Makropolus Affair, the forensic detail of the narrative is perfectly conveyed by the nuanced and intricate score. Beguiling and shocking, it is a complete piece of art.

This performance was conducted by the Janacek expert, Tomas Hanus. He was in complete charge from the very first notes. It was a magisterial performance by both conductor and his sizeable orchestra. Music making of the very highest order.

Angeles Blancas Gulin is mesmerising in the central role of Emilia Marty. Not only does she have a stunning voice - dramatic, tender, focuses, but she is also unafraid of sacrificing vocal beauty for the sake of the drama. She is a complete artist and it is a performance that will haunt you long after the curtain falls.

The rest of the cast are also on top form. Not least we are treated to a glorious cameo from Alan Oke. His portrayal of passion-induced madness is perfectly pitched and balances the humorous with the touching.

If you get the opportunity to catch this production when it is revived by Scottish Opera, I feel certain that you will not be disappointed.