A group of ladies and gentlemen are having lunch together.

WNO Friends branches

Friends’ branches organise events to raise money for WNO. Everyone is welcome to attend.


Bristol & West of England Friends 

Contact: Melanie David | 01934 842014 | melaniejdavid@btinternet.com
Venue: The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral, Bristol (access via Worcester Road)
Admission: WNO Friends and WNO Partners £8, Visitors £10

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Date Wed 15 Nov 2023, 7.15pm
Andrew Borkowski looks at Fischer-Dieskau’s operatic career, focusing on his roles in operas by Mozart, Verdi, Wagner and Richard Strauss.

An Evening with Kate Baylis
Date Wed 21 Feb 2024, 7.15pm
Kate Baylis, WNO Director of Artistic Administration, talks about her role and chooses some of her favourite music

What I have learned since leaving WNO
Date Wed 20 Mar 2024 7.15pm
Phil Gibby, South West Director for Arts Council England and former Development Director at WNO, on the present debate about funding for opera, especially for WNO.

Britten’s Death in Venice
Date Wed 17 Apr 2024 7.15pm
Writer and broadcaster Nigel Simeone on Britten’s score and its close relationship with Thomas Mann’s original story.

Puccini’s Trilogy
Date Wed 15 May 2024 7.15pm
Ian Cartwright looks at the three very different stories of the operas which make up Il trittico, to be performed by WNO in June 2024.

The Operas of Korngold
Date Wed 19 Jun 2024 7.15pm
Andrew Borkowski introduces Korngold’s dramatic operas focusing on Die Tote Stadt and others including Violanta and Das Wunder der Heliane. Preceded by the AGM.


North Wales Friends 
Contact : Roz Jones | 01492 860251 | rozjones@uwclub.net

Fundraising Coffee Concerts in Llandudno during WNO's Spring and Autumn weeks at Venue Cymru. Details will appear here when confirmed.


Oxford Friends
Contact: Bernadette Whittington | 01844 237551 | bwhittington2@btinternet.com

Fundraising events in Oxford including annual 'Castaway's Choice' and Summer Opera at New College, plus occasional coach trips to WNO performances elsewhere. Details will appear here when confirmed.

Summer Opera 

Opera in the Warden’s Garden, with interval and picnic supper in the cloisters (bring your own food).
Date Sun 30 Jun 2024 6.30pm
Venue Warden’s Garden, New College, Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3BN
Tickets to be confirmed
Contact  Bernadette Whittington bwhittington2@btinternet.com | 01844 237551 | 07813 907466


Swansea & West Wales Friends
Contact: Jennifer Macleod | 01792 463936 | macleod.jennifer@hotmail.com

Fundraising concerts in Swansea with a variety of musicians and performers including young opera singers. Details will appear here when confirmed