Welsh National Opera

In 2004 the Company acquired its first ever permanent home in Cardiff in the new Wales Millennium Centre , a new performing arts centre in the city.

The opera company consists of a professional Orchestra (''The Orchestra of Welsh National Opera'') and a professional Choir (''The Chorus of Welsh National Opera''). Sometimes, the orchestra and the choir perform at events independently of one another. The orchestra and the choir often perform at St David's Hall in Cardiff and at other venues throughout Wales.

Its musical directors have included:

Sir Charles Groves (1961–1963)

Sir Richard Armstrong (1973–1986)

Charles Mackerras (1987–1992)

Carlo Rizzi (1992–2001)

Tugan Sokhiev (2003–4)

Carlo Rizzi (2004– )

ACHIEVEMENTS

According to WNO, they are Europe's busiest touring opera company and the largest provider of touring opera in the UK. Recent awards include:

an Evening Standard Award ,

a Barclays Theatre Award ,

two Laurence Olivier Awards , and

three Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

In December 2002, WNO was awarded a Classic FM Red F Award as part of Classic FM 's 10th birthday celebrations.

As well as its artistic achievements, the company behind the opera has achieved success in business. Cardiff Theatrical Services, one of WNO's subsidiary businesses, is one of the largest producers of opera stage sets in the UK. As well as producing all the stage sets for the WNO, it makes sets for other opera companies such as The Royal Opera House , Glyndebourne Opera, Opera North , Royal National Theatre , Royal Shakespeare Company , Opéra De Monte-Carlo , De Vlaamse Opera and the Kirov Opera .

The WNO has realised great success in attracting a younger audience to opera, helping to make its home, the Wales Millennium Centre, a viable business.

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