Here at Welsh National Opera, we believe that all members of the family can enjoy our work, and we offer lots of opportunities for people of all ages to join us and experience the power of opera. From on-stage performances to pop-up opera, behind the scenes experiences to themed concerts, we have something to appeal to the operagoers of the future as well as our regular supporters.
Our hugely popular Family Concerts include a range of music from opera, film and popular culture that everyone will recognise, and we don’t mind if you join in! Our conductor, presenters and soloists will talk about the pieces they are performing, and will also introduce you to the different sections and members of the WNO Orchestra. Before the concert you can come along and meet some of our talented team as they show you how to style a wig, how to apply dramatic stage make up and there’s even a chance to meet some of the musicians – a great opportunity if there’s a budding violinist or trumpeter in the family. Our next Family Concert is coming up soon at Turner Sims in Southampton.
Back at home in Cardiff, we will be launching our new Explore Opera Days in October which are free, filled with fun and will show you what goes into putting an opera together here at Wales Millennium Centre. With performances, demonstrations, activities and the chance to take part in some noisy workshops these will be a great way to spend the afternoon. In October, we’ll also be showcasing our brand new interactive digital experience which will take you into a whole new world.
If you would like to get more directly involved with WNO, visit the Take Part section of our website where there are all sorts of options: you can join one of our Youth Opera groups (Cardiff, Llandudno and Birmingham), take up a work experience placement, find out about our Schools Concerts and lots more. We also, occasionally, need young performers for our staged operas – in recent years we have featured children in Madam Butterfly, From the House of the Dead and The Magic Flute – and we have recently advertised for Carmen. Keep checking our website and social media for future casting opportunities.
Love to sing? We have regular chances for you to join with fellow singing enthusiasts and perform at small or large events. We have Community Choirs in South Wales and North Wales who take part in WNO productions and beyond – a great way for the adults in the family to share their love of music. We also host regular Come and Sing sessions where you can join members of our Chorus, usually before on-stage performances, and belt out well known songs on a particular theme.
If these events whet your appetite and you think you’d like to try bringing the younger members of the family to an actual opera then why not take advantage of our Under 16s offer? Available at all of our touring venues (for our main season operas), under 16s can come along for just £5 when accompanied by a full price paying adult.
