The Welsh National Opera has announced the launch of “Creating Change,” a series of films aimed at exploring the role of the arts in times of crisis. The five films highlighted include “Death of a Fool” by Edson Burton, “The Pledge” by Shreya Sen Handley, “Stories for Change” by Sarah Woods,” “If heaven is her father’s land, her father can {…}
(Credit: Johan Persson) The WNO Youth Opera Groups have joined forces for a unique performance of “I Shall Not Live in Vain” by Ruth Morris Gray that was released online on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. The ensemble featured 80 singers between the ages of six through 18, all performing remotely from across South Wales, North Wales, and Birmingham. Per Suzie {…}
The Welsh National Opera has released a music video to celebrate Pride Cymru on the weekend that would have hosted the annual festival. The video, which has been released on WNO’s social media feeds, features Welsh actor and Hollywood star Luke Evans singing the Queen classic “Who Wants to Live Forever” alongside the full forces of WNO’s Chorus and Orchestra. Evans {…}
The Welsh National Opera has announced the latest episode of the podcast “The O Word.” In the new episode, Gareth Jones is joined by a panel of arts critics and journalists for a lively discussion on the role of the opera critic. Among those speaking with Jones are The Telegraph’s Rupert Christiansen; journalist and composer Steph Power who reviews for {…}
The Welsh National Opera has announced a new podcast that it will launch in English and Welsh. The English-language series, entitled “The O Word,” will be presented by journalist Gareth Jones, a broadcaster for such organizations as BBC and the United Nations in Geneva. Meanwhile, the Welsh-language series, called “Cipolwg,” will be led by comedian and journalist Lorna Prichard, who {…}
The Welsh National Opera has canceled its Autumn 2020 tour due to the ongoing pandemic. In a press statement, the company said, “it has become clear in recent weeks that it will be impossible for us to prepare for, rehearse and stage any large-scale production over the summer and it is increasingly unlikely tour partner venues will be open to {…}
(Credit Betina Skovbro) The Welsh National Opera has announced that Tomáš Hanus will extend his contract as Music Director to 2026. Hanus began as Music director in 2016 and has since received popular and critical acclaim for his conducting of operas such as “Der Rosenkavalier,” “Khovanshchina,” “From the House of the Dead” and “The Cunning Little Vixen.” “Following a fantastic {…}
(Credit: Johan Person) “Les vêpres siciliennes” is one of Verdi’s few substantive forays into the bloated dimensions of Meyerbeerian grand opera, and less frequently performed than its iconic companions “Aida” and “Don Carlo.” David Pountney’s new production of Verdi’s 1855 story of revolution, love and duty, created in collaboration with the Theater Bonn, was hotly anticipated as it marked the {…}
The Welsh National Opera has announced its 2020-21 season featuring six productions on the main stage. Here is a look at what to expect. Autumn 2020 The season opens with a revival of Janáček and Preissová’s “Jenůfa” starring Amanda Majeski in the title role. She is joined by a cast that includes Peter Berger, Helena Zubanovich, Ed Lyon and Rhodri {…}
The Welsh National Opera has announced that Yvette Vaughan Jones has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Jones has extensive experience of working in the arts both in the UK and internationally and is the first woman in the Company’s history to hold the role of Chair of WNO. Jones has worked for independent {…}
(Credit: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Official Website) The Welsh National Opera has announced that Tianyi Lu will be the first Female Conductor in Residence with the company. Lu was born in Shanghai but was raised in New Zealand. She eventually completed her Master of Music in Orchestra Conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She is currently the {…}