Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru Associate Artists programme offers recent graduates who have specialised in any strand of performance or vocal studies to develop their performance skills and career within a professional environment, under the guidance of WNO Associate Artist Development Coach, world-renowned Welsh soprano Rebecca Evans.
Alongside our Youth Opera, it is one of two programmes of work which provide quality performance and learning opportunities for the next generation of artists. Each year, our associates perform an intimate recital to bring their programme to a close, where they perform a selection of their favourite repertoire.
Owain Rowlands has been one of our Associate Artists, alongside Ross Fettes, for 25/26. As his time with us ends, we caught up on what the experience has taught him, and his hopes for the future.
Tell us how you came to be an opera singer, what drew you to the artform?
I started off singing in Eisteddfods, competing in local, county and national competitions for over 20 years. I studied mathematics and music at Cardiff University, then moved to London to study a master's degree in performance at the Royal Academy of Music. There, I caught the opera bug and haven’t looked back since.
Why did you apply for the WNO Associate Artists programme?
Being a Welshman, working at Welsh National Opera has always been a dream. I felt like - after training at the David Seligman Opera School at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama - it was the natural next step to take in my operatic journey.
What has been a defining moment of the WNO Associate Artists programme for you?
I have loved every minute of it. I know it sounds cliche, but we’ve had such a variety of experiences. It’s been such a learning curve.
Covering in Candide, small role in Tosca, chorus and cover in Blaze of Glory and chorus in The Flying Dutchman, soloist in the Viennese new year tour, children’s opera, masterclasses, recitals... we’ve done it all!
What are you looking forward to the most about theWNO Associate Artists Recital?
Getting the chance to revisit song repertoire and sharing this with the audience in a much more intimate performance. Through the Recital, I get the chance to show a more delicate side to my repertoire.
What can audiences expect from the performance?
It is much more intimate than a stage performance. We’ll be revisiting some of our own favourite repertoire, and including some French and Welsh songs in there too.
How has being part of the WNO Associate Artists programme helped or changed you as a performer?
I’ve learnt a lot from this programme. Colleges are great, but you learn so much more from just doing opera and being part of a production.
I’ve learned first-hand from amazing singers, soloists, conductors and directors, and directly from the choristers while being part of the WNO Chorus.
What do you hope comes next for your career?
I would love to do more summer festivals in the UK, return to WNO in the future, perform abroad and see where the journey takes me.