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
Events at The Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral. 6:45pm for 7:15pm.
With that racket I built my villa
Wednesday 20 November 2024
Dr David Bednall, musicologist, explores Richard Strauss’s operatic journey, particularly his work with Hofmannsthal.
A New Year’s Celebration with WNO Orchestra to Welcome in 2025 with Classical Splendour
Friday 17th January 2025 – 2.30pm Dora Stoutzker Concert Hall – RWCMD Cardiff
A coach trip from Bristol - please contact Diane Chislet diane.badgersden2@gmail.com
The Art of Maria Callas
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Callas remains arguably the most celebrated soprano in the history of opera. Andrew Borkowski presents a wide-ranging selection of her recordings as a testament to the genius of this supreme vocal artist.
Peter Grimes
Wednesday 19 March 2025
Broadcaster Nigel Simeone introduces the music of Peter Grimes and considers how Britten, who described opera as ‘the most exciting of musical forms’, combined innovation and convention to create this operatic masterpiece.
A coach trip to Peter Grimes at Wales Millennium Centre
Saturday 5 April 2025 for the 7 pm performance. More details to follow.
Please contact Diane Chislet - diane.badgersden2@gmail.com for more information.
Our brilliant orchestra
Wednesday 30 April 2025
The extremely versatile WNO Orchestra has appeared on many wonderful recordings in a wide range of repertoire. Ian Cartwright introduced a selection of these recordings with examples from Verdi, Wagner and Tchaikovsky, and some surprises.
The Best of British
Wednesday 21 May 2025
David Martin introduces two superbly tuneful British operas; the flamboyant comedy The Bear by William Walton, based on the Chekov play, and the romantic Cornish Legend Iernin by George Lloyd, inspired by the Nine Maidens standing stones in West Penwith.
Friends’ favourites
Wednesday 18 June 2025
Following our 45th AGM, Andrew Borkowski and Ian Cartwright will present a selection of favourite opera excerpts chosen by our audience.
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
Please join us on this trip to see Welsh National Opera’s staging of Benjamin Britten’s opera, Peter Grimes. Coach will be leaving from Water Eaton Park and Ride car park. For full details and application form, contact Rosaliesadler@icloud.com.
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
