Established over twenty years ago as a drop-in youth group in the Gurnos estate in Merthyr Tydfil, Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru’s award-winning, industry leadingnYouth Opera has nurtured the talents of hundreds of young people from across Wales and beyond.
As Wales’ national opera company, we know that building confidence and community for young people has significant impact on their lives. Research from the Cultural Learning Alliance shows that youngsters who take part in structured arts programmes are more likely to develop employability skills and see positive impacts on their confidence, well-being, creativity and self-management. We believe – and invest – in the next generation and have created pathways for young artists to thrive.
WNO recently celebrated its 80th anniversary and we’re already planning for the next 80 years. Therefore, we spoke with our current Youth Opera members about their experiences being part of the Company, the impact it’ s had on them, and their hopes for the future.
Billie, 16, from Llanharan, found her way into performing during GCSE Drama, where she fell in love with being on stage and singing. Having been encouraged to try WNO Youth Opera by her mother and a friend, she’s gone from strength to strength and performed multiple times in our Youth Opera productions.
"I think it's definitely helped my confidence because I went into it wanting to just be a part of the ensemble, but Dan and Siân (Music Director & Conductor– Dan Perkin, Vocal Director Siân Cameron) really encourage you to go for the solos," said Billie.
“Youth Opera has helped me. It obviously helps you with your singing and your skills, but also the support you get really helps you as well."
Billie's experience with us reflects the benefits we see first-hand in youth arts participation. Research shows that 76% of young people feel arts and cultural activities increase their confidence, while 73% believe they help develop skills that will be useful in future careers including communication, teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Lucy, 12, from Newport, joined WNO Youth Opera after her singing teacher encouraged her to audition for a part in our production of Tosca. She very quickly fell in love with opera and said being able to perform with the Youth Opera has been the best experience of her life: "The first day, everyone was so lovely and nice. And I loved the music that we did that day, so I was like, I'm coming back!”
Lucy has made friends since joining, and loves being part of a group where everyone shares her passion for music and performance.
Previous members of WNO Youth Opera have gone on to successful careers in the arts all over the world. Within our alumni we have an Olivier Award recipient, principal artists with UK and international opera companies including WNO favourite Natalya Romaniw, and artists working across the West End. Having discovered a love of opera through the Youth Opera, Lucy now hopes to follow in their footsteps and become a professional opera singer, using Youth Opera as a stepping stone in that ambition.
“I really want to be a professional opera singer, basically go on more opera tours and do opera for my life,” she said.
"Being part of WNO Youth Opera is a really big opportunity because there's so much that you could do with it and it's just really fun and amazing."
Former Youth Opera member Natalya Romaniw in the title role of Tosca
Luke, 17, from Cardiff, first attended WNO Youth Opera while he was still at primary school. Through WNO, he has been introduced to orchestral and classical music, and fostered a genuine love of theatre and opera, and a passion for composition.
“People should join Youth Opera, they shouldn't be scared to try it out,” Luke said.
“I remember when I first heard about it, I thought that's really prestigious, I'm not going to be good enough for that, but then I joined and everyone's so friendly.”
Most importantly, WNO Youth Opera has given Luke the confidence to challenge himself, experience new things, and pursue his passions wholeheartedly. As a result, he has gone on to win several national competitions for his compositions and has even created a commissioned piece in support of Tŷ Hafan.
Recently, Luke took part in our new season photoshoot with acclaimed Welsh-based creatives Charlotte James and Clémentine Schneidermann at Bleak Fabulous.
“I was really nervous to do it,” said Luke. “But being part of WNO Youth Opera, and the things I get to do as a result, is always a confidence-boosting, fun and an exciting experience.”
With young people like Billie, Luke and Lucy, we know the future of opera in Wales is full of potential and talent, and we look forward to watching them continue to learn, grow and develop. They are the next generation of Welsh artists.