WNO member events
As a valued WNO Friend or Patron you have access to exclusive behind-the-scenes events.
Enjoy the opportunity to glimpse into rehearsals in progress, meet members of the WNO team, take behind-the-scene tours and more.
Below are the current events available to book, with additional dates to be announced throughout the year - so do keep checking back.
Members at our higher Patron levels enjoy enhanced opportunities to engage more closely with WNO. From invitations to exclusive stage rehearsals, access to artists and opening-night celebrations, to special syndicate events offering behind-the-scenes insight into new productions, these experiences provide a unique connection to the creative heart of the Company.
Due to limited availability members are eligible for a maximum of two tickets unless otherwise stated on the event listing. Rehearsal access is at the discretion of the creative team and can be altered.
To book events or learn more about joining our Patrons, Syndicates, or General Director’s Circle and the experiences available at each level, please contact the Development Team on 02920 63 5000 or development@wno.org.uk.
Online Webinar Series
Open to all Members – Friends, Patrons and General Directors’ Circle
Tickets: Free to attend.
Time: 5.30-7pm.
Go behind the curtain and discover the world of WNO through our new webinar series. These exclusive online events offer fascinating insights into different areas of our work - from the artistry on stage to the creativity and collaboration that bring our productions to life.
Inside the Chorus
Date: Wednesday 14 January
Gain a rare glimpse into the life of a WNO chorister and hear first-hand from some of our world-renowned Chorus about the passion, precision and teamwork behind every performance.
Opera for Everyone
Date: Thursday 14 May
Explore the work of our Programmes & Engagement team and discover how WNO uses opera to inspire creativity, confidence and connection within communities across Wales and beyond.
We're looking to expand this popular series to feature new voices and fresh insights from our upcoming 26/27 Season.
Coffee and Conversations - Wales Millennium Centre
Time: 11am to 1pm
Enjoy coffee and conversation while discovering the people and stories behind WNO. These relaxed mornings offer Members a unique opportunity to meet the artists and teams who bring our productions to life.
A Musician’s Life on Tour
Open to Patrons and above
Tickets: Free
Date: Friday 30 January
Hear exclusively from members of WNO orchestra, for a special insight into life on tour with an internationally acclaimed orchestra.
On the Road with WNO
Open to all Members
Tickets: £15 for Friends. Free for patrons and above.
Date: Friday 13 March
Meet Cherry Bernstein, Company Manager and Dan Saddington, Head of Stage as they share how WNO prepares to take Blaze of Glory!, The Flying Dutchman and Play Opera! on tour.
Costume and Prop Sale - Wales Millennium Centre.
Open to everyone. Priority access for WNO Members.
Tickets: Free
Dates: Priority access 6 February, 9.30am - 11.30am and 5-7pm. General Public: 7 February.
Step into the world behind the curtain as Welsh National Opera throws open our costume and props stores for a rare public sale at Wales Millennium Centre. From hand-crafted garments to characterful props and furniture, this is a unique chance to take home items that have graced our stages across decades of storytelling.
Browse hundreds of costumes and curiosities from a wide range of productions, including Turandot, Don Giovanni, Die Fledermaus, Macbeth and many more, each piece with its own story to tell. From bold statement pieces to practical bargains, there’s something for collectors, crafters, students, stylists, and anyone with an eye for the extraordinary.
Entry is free, with early-access windows for WNO Members and dedicated sessions for trade buyers.
Meet the Archivists
Open to Patrons and above
Tickets: £15.00.
Dates: Tuesday 10 February. Tuesday 5 May, 10am to 12.30pm
Join WNO’s volunteer archivists John Richardson and Ian Douglas, together with Senior Music Librarian Georgina Govier, for a fascinating morning exploring the treasures of WNO’s archive and music library. Enjoy a relaxed and informal setting as you discover the stories, artefacts, and history that chart WNO’s journey, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share your own memories.
Due to room capacity places are limited, offering an intimate and personal experience.
Journey Through the WNO Archive
Open to ALL Members
Tickets: Free.
Dates: Tuesday 17 March, 2.30pm.
Join us for a fascinating exploration of WNO’s rich history, led by our Archivist, John Richardson. This special event offers a rare opportunity to hear John speak about the stories, people and productions that have shaped WNO over the decades, alongside a curated display of archive material brought out especially for Members.
From past performances to behind-the-scenes insights, this talk will shine a light on the Company’s artistic journey and the role the archive plays in preserving our legacy for future generations.
Please note that this event does not include access to the archive store itself.
Stage Rehearsals – Wales Millennium Centre
Open to Patrons and above
Tickets: £15
Blaze of Glory!
Dates: Wednesday 25 March, 6.30pm - 9.30pm.
The Flying Dutchman
Dates: Friday 10 April, 3 - 6pm.
Experience the thrill of opera in the making. These exclusive stage rehearsals offer Patrons the rare opportunity to watch our orchestra, conductor and director at work as they bring a production to life. You’ll gain a fascinating insight into the precision, artistry and collaboration that shape each performance.
*Platinum Patrons and above receive complimentary invitations to rehearsals. Please contact the Development Team directly for further information on 02920 63 5000 development@wno.org.uk
Open Dress Rehearsals - Wales Millennium Centre.
Open to all Members – Friends*, Patrons and General Directors' CircleTickets: Free*
Blaze of Glory!
Dates: Friday 27 March, 12pm.
The Flying Dutchman -
Dates: Monday 13 April, 3pm.
Experience the final stages of bringing our productions to life with exclusive access to these open dress rehearsals. A rare opportunity to see the Company in full preparation before opening night.
*Available only where tickets have been purchased for a performance by a named Friend member, no separate ticket purchase required by Patrons and above. Booking reference will be requested. Two passes available per membership.
Opening Night Celebrations - Wales Millennium Centre
For Gold Patrons and above*
Blaze of Glory!
Dates: Wednesday 1 April.
The Flying Dutchman
Date: Thursday 16 April.
Location: Wales Millennium Centre.
Members at Gold Patron level and above who have booked tickets to our Cardiff opening night performances will receive an exclusive invitation to join the Development Team and guests for pre-show drinks to celebrate the start of each new production.
These special occasions offer a wonderful opportunity to come together with fellow supporters and members of the WNO team to mark the excitement of opening night.
*Invitations are issued commensurate with level of giving in support of WNO’s ongoing work.
Patrons' Preview - Save the Date.
Open to Patrons and above
Date: Tuesday 12 May
Join Sarah Crabtree and Adele Thomas, Co-General Directors/CEOs, for an exclusive insight into the vision behind their first programmed season for Welsh National Opera. This relaxed preview offers a first look at the artistic direction and chosen repertoire, with time for questions and discussion.
Tea and coffee will be provided. Further details to follow - please feel free to register your interest in the meantime.
Behind the Scenes at Eastmoors Stores
Open to Patrons and General Directors' Circle
Tickets: £20
Dates: Thursday 18 June, Tuesday 7 July, Tuesday 14 July, 11am to 1pm.
Step behind the scenes and explore where the magic of WNO productions is made. Join Judith Russell, WNO’s Head of Touring Wardrobe, for a guided tour of our Eastmoors stores in Cardiff, where you’ll see an extraordinary collection of sets, props and costumes up close.
These small-group tours offer a rare opportunity to discover the artistry, detail and craftsmanship behind WNO’s productions, with plenty to see and stories to enjoy along the way.
Please note: tours include transportation to and from Wales Millennium Centre and involve stair access only (no lift available).
For any access requirements or if you have any questions please contact us via development@wno.org.uk or on 029 2063 5000.