Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru Co-General Directors and CEOs, Adele Thomas and Sarah Crabtree, have been awarded Honorary Fellowships by the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in recognition of their outstanding contribution to arts and culture.
Photography by Kirsten McTernan
The Fellowships were presented during the College's graduation ceremonies in Cardiff, celebrating individuals whose leadership, creativity and commitment have made a significant impact on the cultural sector.
The honour recognises Adele and Sarah's shared leadership of WNO, where they are leading a bold new chapter for the Company through artistic innovation, collaboration and a commitment to ensuring opera remains relevant, accessible and inspiring for audiences today.
Together they have placed creativity, inclusion and partnership at the heart of WNO's future, helping to strengthen the Company's position as one of Wales' leading cultural organisations.
Adele Thomas is acclaimed for her visually striking and emotionally resonant productions, having directed at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses and theatres including the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and Shakespeare's Globe. Formerly a Creative Producer at the Royal Opera and Associate Producer at Opera Holland Park, Sarah Crabtree is a cultural leader championing collaborative leadership, innovation and greater accessibility across the arts.
The duo joins an esteemed group of 2026 Honorary Fellows including Sara Beer (Director for Change at Craidd); Toks Dada (Head of Classical Music at Southbank Centre), internationally renowned horn player Ben Goldscheider, award-winning designer Hayley Grindle and legendary Welsh bassist Pino Palladino.
Adele said: "Receiving this Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is a tremendous honour. The College plays such an important role in developing Wales' creative talent and nurturing the next generation of artists.
“I have a long and treasured working relationship with the College and I look forward to further artistic collaboration in the service of bold storytelling here in Wales. I am incredibly proud to receive this recognition alongside Sarah as we shape an ambitious future for Welsh National Opera."
Sarah said: "We are deeply honoured to receive this Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. The College is a cornerstone of Wales' cultural life and shares our belief in the transformative power of the arts.
“This recognition reflects not only our partnership, but also the extraordinary creativity, ambition and dedication of everyone at Welsh National Opera as we continue to reimagine what opera can be for audiences across Wales and beyond."