Daniel Rodríguez (tenor) sang the role of Turridu opposite international soprano Cristina Fontanelli, in Pietro Mascagni's one-act opera, "Cavalleria Rusticana". June 2012 Daniel performs in Madama Butterfly with Chelsea Opera in role of Lt. B. F. Pinkerton. Daniel is married to Marla Kavanaugh, a soprano who has performed around the world in concert and in opera. She was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and began her stage career at the age of five. Daniel and family relocated from New York to California in 2017. He and his wife continue traveling often perform together. They have one daughter, born in New Zealand in 2009.
Welsh National Opera supporters in December 1943; at that meeting the name of the proposed organisation was changed to "Welsh National Opera Company". By January 1944 plans were far enough advanced for the company's first rehearsals to be held. Owen recruited a local businessman, W. H. (Bill) Smith (1894–1968), who agreed to serve as business manager. At first doubtful of the company's prospects, Smith became its dominant influence, leading fund-raiser, and chairman for twenty years from 1948. The new company made its debut at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cardiff on 15 April 1946 with a double bill of "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci".