Christmas is right around the corner, and here at Welsh National Opera we enjoy the festivities just as much as anyone. However, while the festive season is full of joy for many, for others it can be a lonely time. As part of our mission of bringing the power of music to as wide an audience as possible, we have organised a range of events in communities across South Wales, for people who might be more vulnerable at this time of year.
WNO’s Cradle project helps to raise awareness of dementia in schools and provides a safe space for people living with dementia to enjoy music in a communal space. The festivities began for Cradle Choir on 6 December with a concert as St. John’s Church in Pembroke Dock, where they were joined by the children of Pembroke Dock Community School in an afternoon of both festive and nautical music. Cradle Choir will be at Bluestone’s Cloud Theatre on Tuesday 12 December with a short performance of festive classics such as Let it Snow, White Christmas and Deck the Halls.
Showcasing the incredible young talent in South Wales, our Youth Opera will be on Wales Millennium Centre’s Glanfa Stage on Saturday 9 December. Our wonderful group of young people aged 10-18 will be performing a collection of choral and Christmas tunes. Why not come along and join in if you know the words?
Working in partnership with Cardiff and Vale Health Board, two small teams of WNO musicians visit St David’s Hospital in Cardiff on a weekly basis to entertain patients and staff members. On Friday 15 December we are bringing the full team together for a big Christmas event, where patients from specific wards will join us in the main foyer for a morning of festive duets, opera, Christmas singalong, and festive fun. Supported by hospital staff and Mental Health Matters staff, there will be no shortage of mince pies, no-secco and gift bags for our audience members.
Similarly, our wonderful team will be performing to a range of patients including the stroke rehab wards at Port Talbot Hospital on Wednesday 13 December. Conducted in partnership with Swansea Bay University Health Board, the team will be singing a collection of classical favourites and Christmas hits.
Celebrate Christmas with Welsh National Opera this year and help us continue to deliver meaningful and lifechanging projects by donating now. With your help, our Wellness, Inspire, Sanctuary and Teach projects can continue this Christmas, and into the New Year.