With this new production of The Flying Dutchman, Welsh National Opera prepares to bid farewell to our Music Director, Tomáš Hanus. Since joining the Company in 2016, Tomáš has brought remarkable artistic energy and musical integrity to WNO, leading some of its most ambitious and memorable productions. Over the past decade, he has conducted 12 operas and toured extensively across Wales, the UK and Europe.
His tenure will be especially remembered for his deep affinity with the music of Czech composer Leoš Janáček. Tomáš led revivals of Jenůfa and David Pountney’s much-loved production of The Cunning Little Vixen, alongside two striking productions: From the House of the Dead (2018) and The Makropulos Affair (2022). Having been invited twice to perform at the Janáček Festival in Brno, the Company’s two visits proved extra special, owing to Tomáš’s connection to the composer - the two were born only a couple of streets away from one another.
Tomáš Hanus working on Jenůfa
Alongside his work on Janáček, Tomáš conducted a wide-ranging repertoire. Highlights include his debut at The Royal Ballet and Opera with Prokofiev’s War and Peace (2019), and WNO’s acclaimed new production of Britten’s Peter Grimes (2024). He also proved a passionate advocate for the Company’s orchestral programme. Having first conducted WNO Orchestra in a powerful performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony in 2015, he went on to lead symphonic concerts across the UK, from Bangor to Truro, and became a familiar presence at the Cardiff International Concert Series at St David’s Hall. In 2017, he conducted the Orchestra during the Cardiff Singer of the World competition. At the Fishguard Festival of Music this July, his final concert with WNO at St David’s Cathedral, where his musical journey with the Company began, offers a fitting close to his work on the concert platform.
Tomáš rehearsing Peter Grimes
A defining moment of his tenure came in 2023, when he was invited to open the prestigious Prague Spring Festival. Conducting Smetana’s Má Vlast, WNO Orchestra became the first opera orchestra to open the festival, an extraordinary milestone on an international stage.
Prague Spring Festival, 2023
As well as an incredible musical colleague, Tomáš will also be remembered as a strong family man. Those who were with the Company in 2019 will remember the poignant production he conducted with the WNO Youth Opera of Hans Krasa’s Brundibar. As well as having a deep historical family connection to this work, Tomáš integrated his working life with his personal life – welcoming his children (who had very little English at the time) to sing alongside members of the Youth Opera.
Youth Opera - Brundibar
Tomáš Hanus leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Welsh National Opera, one defined by passion, dedication and a profound commitment to the cultural life of Wales. As he embarked on his final tour this Spring, we celebrate his ten years as Music Director with The Flying Dutchman. He will be deeply missed as a colleague and friend.
Diolch, Tomáš, and every good wish for the future.