Meet WNO
WNO employs over 250 people ranging from artists, craftspeople, technicians and administrators – all based at our state-of-the-art home, Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. At the heart of WNO sit our two full-time ensembles, WNO Chorus and WNO Orchestra, of world-class musicians.
Leadership Team
Staff Team
Administration
- Sharon HuntReceptionist
- Hannah BarnardBoard Administrator and PA to General Director
Artistic Administration
- Kathryn JoyceHead of Artistic Management
- Lisa TurnerCasting Officer
- Elspeth HardingCasting Officer
- Fern WilsonCasting Coordinator and Artists Administrator
- Llinos BeasleyHead of Planning
- Isobel CravenArtistic Planning Officer
- Ian DouglasCompany Manager
- Sarah Cannon-JonesDeputy Company Manager
- Elin JonesDramaturg
- Caroline ChaneyStaff Director
- Gareth ChambersDirecting Fellow
- Adam Gilbert Associate Artist
- Aaron O'Hare Associate Artist
- Isabelle PetersAssociate Artist
Chorus, Orchestra & Music Management
Our department looks after all of the full-time musicians who work for WNO, working around the clock to support the musical output of the Company. From the intricate detail of the work in the Music Library, to our multi-talented Music Staff conducting and accompanying hundreds of rehearsals per year - not to mention the integral work of our world-class Chorus and Orchestra in a wide variety of operatic, concert and outreach work – music is at the core of everything we do.
- Russell MoretonHead of Music and Casting Advisor
- Stephen WoodAssistant Head of Music
- James SouthallMusic Staff
- Frederick BrownMusic Staff
- Matthew DownesOrchestra and Concerts Manager
- Dave CollinsAssistant Orchestra Manager
- Catherine PorteusMusic Department Supervisor
- Hywel EvansMusic Department Operations Manager
- Peter LilleyAssistant to Orchestra Manager
- David AdamsLeader of the Orchestra
- Lowri PorterAssistant Leader
- Dave DoidgeChorus Master
- Michael Clifton-ThompsonAssistant to Chorus Manager
- Georgina GovierHead of Music Library
- Craig ThorpeMusic Librarian
- Catherine DuffyAssistant Librarian
Development, Strategy & External Relations
The Development and Communications team looks after fundraising, press and public affairs. We work to raise essential private sector funds for the Company through a generous network of individuals, trusts, foundations and businesses; we raise the Company’s profile by generating media coverage for our work and we build relationships with stakeholders and partners including the Welsh Government, the UK Government, the Arts Councils of both England and Wales and other key influencers.
- Sara EvansHead of Events
- Sally Ann BirdIndividual Giving Officer
- Lorraine ReesMembership and Legacy Giving Officer
- Corinne CoxDevelopment Officer
- Sophie HughesDevelopment Coordinator
- Sophie BowtellDevelopment Assistant
- Christina BlakemanPress Officer
- Rhys EdwardsDigital Communications Officer
Finance
The finance team assists in the smooth running of the organisation by managing all the money that flows into and out of the organisation, including payroll. It produces the management accounts, budgets and forecasts as well as the annual statutory accounts, and ensures that financial controls are in place, fit for purpose and meet the needs of the organisation and its regulators.
- David WatkinsAccounts Manager
- Damion HendyManagement Accountant
- Christopher ParsonsProject Accountant
- Gurmaal SinghFinance Assistant
- Valerie WatkinsPayroll Manager
- Mel JenkinsPayroll Assistant
Human Resources
The HR team leads on the delivery of people solutions that encourage the development of talent and engagement and support the delivery of WNO's objectives. We advise on the whole range of HR issues, including pay & reward, recruitment, employee relations and safeguarding as well as drive strategic and cultural change across WNO.
We promote a healthy and safe workplace and ensure that WNO fulfils its responsibilities in line with relevant legislation and ensure WNO's employment policies, procedures and interventions support WNO to attract, retain, develop and reward talent.
- Hang BarryHR Manager
- Heledd DaviesHR Officer
- Kelly EvansHealth, Safety and Wellbeing Manager
Marketing
The marketing department works to reach new audiences for our work as well as keeping our existing audiences engaged. We do this through our website and other digital communications, social media, advertising, direct marketing and much more. We undertake audience research projects and data analysis to help us better understand our audiences. We also produce all print and publications for WNO including programmes.
- Martina FraserHead of Marketing and Digital
- Susannah Atherton-JohnHead of Print, Design and Brand
- Sue EvansMarketing Manager
- Owain ElidirAudience Insight Analyst
- Carys DaviesSenior Digital Marketing Officer
- Ella MorganSenior Digital Content Officer
- Kirstin ChapmanMarketing Campaigns Officer
- Roisin O'TooleMarketing Assistant
Technical
The technical department looks after the creation and touring of WNO’s productions. This includes set, costume, wigs and make-up, props, lighting, transport and stage management departments. Our CTS workshops are an integral part of the operation and WNO’s trading arm; it also looks after storage and disposal of productions and show hire contract management. Departmental email address: technical@wno.org.uk
- Ruth Lepper Technical Office Administrator
- Rebecca WilksTechnical Administration Assistant
- Robert PagettHead of Production
- Richard NortonProduction Manager
- Megan Sinnett Assistant Production Manager
- Grant BardenTechnical Operations Manager
- Siân PriceHead of Costume
- Jane WilliamsMen's Cutter
- Sue CrowleMilliner
- Beth SimpsonMilliner
- Veronica PeterssonHead Tailor
- Katie Evans Senior Costume Maker
- Nellie BirdCostume Maker
- Andy JohnHead of Props
- Barbara LeithProps Technician
- Torben Schacht Props Technician
- Ian JonesHead of Lighting & Sound
- Paul WoodfieldChief Electrician
- Benjamin NaylorDeputy Chief Electrician
- Owain DaviesElectrician
- Adam SansomElectrician
- Julia Carson SimsHead of Stage Management
- Katie Heath-Jones Stage Manager
- Jenni PriceStage Manager
- Suzie ErithDeputy Stage Manager
- John HayelMaster Carpenter
- Daniel SammonsLGV Driver
- John Birch-HurstTechnical Office Driver
- Judith RussellTouring Wardrobe Manager
- Stevie Haynes-GouldTouring Wardrobe Assistant
- Bethan Kelly Touring Wardrobe Assistant
- Siân McCabeHead of Wigs & Make-up
- Tigy TuckerDeputy Head of Wigs & Make-up
- Bethan JonesWigs & Make-up Assistant
Programmes and Engagement
Programmes and Engagement deliver a diverse portfolio of multi-award winning work. Their wide-reaching programme includes pioneering digital experiences, orchestral concerts for schools and families, multiple established Youth Opera companies, and weekly activity in schools and SEN schools - all designed to spark the imagination and engage more people with opera across Wales, England and beyond.
- Jennifer HillProducer
- Imogen LlewellynProducer
- Paula ScottYouth Opera Producer
- Maris LyonsSpecial Projects Producer
- Branwen JonesNorth Wales Hub Producer
- Sandra TaylorWest Midlands Hub Producer
- Jamie HarrisProducer (Southampton, Plymouth)
- April HeadeAssistant Producer
- Rebeka PeakeSchools Co-ordinator
- Morgana Warren-JonesProject Manager
- Michael GrahamProject Assistant
WNO Chorus
We are 40 full-time professional opera singers who, along with the WNO Orchestra, form the musical and artistic backbone of Welsh National Opera.
WNO Orchestra
With a reputation as one of the finest orchestras in the UK, we are one of two permanent, full-time ensembles at the heart of Welsh National Opera, alongside the WNO Chorus.
WNO Chorus
We are 40 full-time professional opera singers who, along with the WNO Orchestra, form the musical and artistic backbone of one of the few large-scale opera companies in the UK. We play a significant role in the vast majority of WNO operatic performances, as well as other events throughout the year. From bohemians to bakers, duchesses to drunks, we play them all!
While we have a number of singers from other countries in our ranks, we are unmistakably and proudly a Welsh Chorus. When you come to a Welsh National Opera event – whether at home here in Wales Millennium Centre or on tour across England and Wales – you’ll experience a unique, live acoustic event which is never the same twice. We give our all every time we go on stage, singing as though our lives depend on it.
Sopranos
Mezzos
Helen Greenaway, Mezzo SopranoIt's good to be a member of a company with an international reputation but which also has a family feel.
Tenors
Basses
What's On
Opera, concerts, national touring productions, free events and exhibitions.
WNO Orchestra
WNO Orchestra has been delighting audiences, both nationally and internationally, for nearly 50 years. We are proud of being more than just an opera orchestra, and we love the variety of work we get to perform - from large-scale orchestral concerts at St David’s Hall with our Music Director, to chamber music without conductors - in venues and festivals across Wales, the UK and abroad.
We are passionate about the future of our artform, and are energised by working with young musicians and singers from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, the National Opera Studio, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
First Violin
Susan Plessner
Tutti First Violin
Vacancy
Tutti First ViolinSecond Violin
Vacancy
Section Principal Second Violin
Ann Jones
No.3 Second ViolinDonald McNaught
Tutti Second ViolinMarilyn Shewring
Tutti Second Violin
Viola
Stephen Lloyd
Tutti Viola
Lydia Abell
Tutti ViolaCello
Vacancy
Sub-Principal Cello
Arthur Davies
Tutti Cello
Double Bass
Vacancy
Section Principal Bass
Ben Havinden-Williams
Tutti BassWoodwind
Thomas Verity
Section Principal ClarinetVacancy
Sub-Principal Clarinet
Vacancy
Sub-Principal BassoonBrass
Max Garrard
Sub-Principal Horn
Timpani
What's On
Opera, concerts, national touring productions, free events and exhibitions.
WNO Friends
Join our mission to inspire a new generation of opera lovers - from just £50 per year.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors collectively oversees the Company's affairs, while meeting the appropriate interests of our stakeholders. Additional support comes from our Advisory Board.
WNO Friends
Join our mission to inspire a new generation of opera lovers - from just £50 per year.