Celebrating Welsh Opera

We are celebrating St David's Day at Welsh National Opera! And what better way to commemorate this occasion than with a tribute to one of Wales' greatest unifiers? Music has been at the heart of our identity, from the bards of our medieval courts to modern-day choirs and opera is no exception.  

Humble beginnings 

But when exactly did the operatic tradition begin in Wales? The 19th century was a period of great introspection for the country as Wales became rapidly industrialised. The Welsh identity and language were under attack and being undermined through the Westminster education policy of the time. However, the Welsh spirit proved resilient. After a period of decline, the Eisteddfod experienced a revival with the establishment of a national body which would become the National Eisteddfod. This festival contributed to the popularization of choral singing in Wales and is now a prominent staple in Welsh culture. Opera started to become a popular medium in Wales towards the latter half of the 19th century, but in 1878 something remarkable happened... 

The first Welsh language opera - Joseph Parry 

Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Joseph Parry played a massive part in the Welsh opera scene. This prolific composer behind Myfanwy is also often credited as the first Welshman to compose an opera, Blodwen, which was notably the first opera in the Welsh language. It was first performed in Temperance Hall, Aberystwyth, in May 1878; Blodwen follows the titular character during the Glyndŵr rebellion. Blodwen was a massive success - with around 500 performances in 1896.  

Music in our roots  

Born in 1894 to a mining family in a close-knit community of Merthyr Vale, Idloes Owen followed his family to the mines at 12 years old. Following a diagnosis of tuberculosis, the community banded together to raise funds for Idloes to go to Cardiff University to read music. This act of collective kindnesswould set everything in motion. In November of 1941, he founded the Lyrian Grand Company with a group of friends, which would later evolve into Welsh National Opera, a testament to the power of community in shaping our cultural heritage.  

From Wales to the World: Highlighting Welsh stories.

Since the Company's inception, Welsh National Opera has gone from strength to strength, producing groundbreaking, world-class work. Several productions have been commissioned over the years to highlight the real core of Welsh identity: its communities. These productions have not only celebrated Welsh stories but have also brought the essence of Welsh culture to the global stage. In 2022, WNO partnered with Ty Cerdd to produce an opera based on Hedd Wyn, with Gruff Rhys leading as its composer. Blaze of Glory! which follows the spirit of community and is based on a Welsh Valleys male voice choir's reaction to a mining disaster as they attempt to raise spirits.