(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 four years in the role of Music Director with Welsh National Opera, I am delighted to be renewing my contract from 2021-2026. Being afforded the opportunity to remain with WNO for another five years allows me to continue to work towards my artistic vision for the Company,” Hanus said in a press release. “I am excited to see the development of the Company in the years to come and continue to perform opera and concerts of the highest standard with my esteemed colleagues.”

Meanwhile, WNO’s General Director Aidan Lang stated “We are thrilled that Tomáš has committed to Welsh National Opera for the next five years. Tomáš is in such demand to conduct around the world that it is testament to the quality of the work that we put on our stage that Tomáš has decided to devote so much of his working life to WNO. I am really looking forward to working with him to craft future seasons together.”

Hanus returns to Cardiff in April for the final concert in the 2019-20 ICS season and begins the 2020-21 season conducting Janáček’s beloved work “Jenůfa.”