WNO Careers
Welsh National Opera exists to bring the power, drama and raw emotion of opera to as wide an audience as possible in performances marked by an uncompromising quest for artistic quality. As a national company with international status, we sit at the heart of music-making in Wales and play a valuable role in the communities we serve in England.
Welsh National Opera is based at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Cardiff combines ancient history, sporting excitement, ultra-modern development, eclectic culture and activities. It is a friendly, diverse and exciting capital city, just two hours by train from London.
Welsh National Opera is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity.
Current vacancies
Welsh National Opera transforms lives through the power of opera. We are passionate about opera and want to share this passion with as many people as possible. We do this with award winning performances of fully staged opera and concerts which combine a sense of adventure with the highest possible quality. We keep our performances accessible through affordable ticket prices. Beyond the theatre we connect with people through our community and education work and digital projects.
If you would like to join the team, all vacancies, including Orchestra positions, will be advertised here.
If you are a singer and wish to audition, please visit our Auditions page.
Welsh National Opera is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We encourage people from any background to apply for vacancies. We are committed to creating a workforce which is representative of society and brings together people with a variety of skills and experiences to help shape what we do and how we work. We are particularly keen to hear from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and disabled candidates.
We welcome applications in Welsh. If you wish to apply in Welsh, it will treated no less favourably than if you apply in English.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Auditions
Welsh National Opera auditions for principal roles and covers on an invitation-only basis. Please note that, while we are happy to hear all professional singers, we do not have many audition slots and there can be a long wait involved. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from singers from all backgrounds.
If you are interested in auditioning for extra Chorus work, please send your CV to Michael Clifton-Thompson.
For all other roles including permanent chorus members, and orchestra and music staff please see our current vacancies.
There are a variety of opportunities for singers within our Youth Opera and Community Chorus.
Work experience
If you’re thinking about a career in the arts when you finish school, college or university, work experience can be a great way to learn about the different departments within an arts organisation. Each year WNO offers work experience, placements and shadowing opportunities in different departments across the organisation dependent on availability and company schedules.
If you are interested in work experience opportunities here at WNO please complete the work experience request form.
* There are currently no opportunities available for work experience. Any future opportunities will be advertised here so please continue to check the page regularly for updates.*
Values
We are:
Inclusive: We have a workplace culture where all people are respected and valued
Collaborative: We work as a team to achieve common goals
Dynamic: We challenge ourselves creatively and encourage new ideas
Generous: Our people use their talent, knowledge and skills with a generosity of spirit
Responsible: We act with integrity and accountability
Colleague Benefits
Pension
All employees are automatically enrolled into WNO’s Stakeholder Pension Scheme (the “Plan”) or such other registered pension scheme as may be set up by the Company as a Qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme three months after joining the Company, subject to satisfying certain eligibility criteria.
Maternity/ Paternity/ Adoption
We offer a generous scheme which provides payments in addition to statutory provisions.
Corporate Leisure – Gym Membership
All employees are eligible to obtain the Active Corporate Card operated by Cardiff City Council which is available at a 25% reduced rate and covers various leisure facilities throughout Cardiff.
Discounts
Wales Millennium Centre offers discounts to residents at selected outlets within the building and selected restaurants around Cardiff Bay on presentation of ID cards. Discounted rate with Future Inns in Cardiff.
Staff Parking Discount with Q Park
We have a corporate rate with Q Park, Pierhead Street (opposite WMC).
Employee Assistant Programme
We provide a free confidential; counselling and advice service that is available family.to all our employees, freelancers and contractors.
Welsh lessons
We support staff who want to learn or improve their Welsh language skills, and we offer optional basic Welsh and improver lessons free of charge.