The Flying Dutchman – Fri 15 May
Welsh director Jack Furness makes his WNO debut with a contemporary reimagining of Wagner’s early masterpiece The Flying Dutchman, conducted by WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus. From the thunderous opening overture to the haunting arias, Wagner’s score evokes the power of the ocean while exploring the deeply human emotions of loneliness and longing. Inspired by the beauty of the Welsh coast, designer Elin Steele’s sleek, pared-back sets allow the storytelling and performances to shine.
Bass-baritone Simon Bailey returns as The Dutchman, with soprano Emma Bell making her debut as Senta. Tenor Leonardo Caimi reprises his role as Erik, following his appearance in WNO’s Il tabarro in Summer 2024. Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths plays The Steersman, with James Creswell as Daland, Monika Sawa as Mary, and a full supporting cast rounding out the production.
Director Jack Furness said:
‘Growing up in Cardiff, WNO was the Company that first introduced me to opera. I have too many wonderful artistic memories to share, but I vividly remember being transfixed watching Yannis Kokkos’ production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde in 2006, it cut 18-year-old me to pieces. Richard Jones’ Die Meistersinger a few years later was a similarly formative experience. So, it’s hard to put into words what it means to be returning twenty years later to make my directing debut for my home company with another aching beautiful and existential Wagner opera, The Flying Dutchman.
I’m so excited to be working with Emma Bell playing the role of Senta. Just after I left University, I got the opportunity to observe a revival of Graham Vick’s Die Meistersinger at the Royal Opera. The whole experience blew my mind, and Emma was amazing in the role of Eva. Now here we are, collaborating, along with a fantastic cast.
‘I’m also particularly happy to be working with such a brilliant team of creative artists. Elin Steele, Lizzie Powell, Rebecca Meltzer and I hope to make a show which gives a stripped-back focus on the deep human drama of Wagner’s opera and allows its transcendent music to do its work on the audience.
The exceptional work of WNO has been a constant presence in my musical and dramatic life, and to play a part in the next chapter of the company, with its amazing Chorus and Orchestra, is a bucket list moment.’
As principal funder, WNO thanks The Colwinston Trust. Mathew Prichard CBE, Chair of The Colwinston Trust, said:
‘The Colwinston Trust is delighted to celebrate 30 years of working with many high-quality arts organisations across the UK by awarding a special Anniversary Grant to Welsh National Opera to support their production of The Flying Dutchman during their 80th Anniversary year, which will open at the Wales Millennium Centre in April 2026.’
Blaze of Glory! – Sat 16 May
WNO’s Spring Season opens with the return of the critically acclaimed Blaze of Glory!, following a group of Welsh miners as they reform their male voice choir after a local mining disaster—a fitting tribute to the company’s 80th anniversary.
Founded in the post-war spirit of democracy by amateur singers and conductors from across South Wales, WNO has remained rooted in community and the Welsh passion for song. Composed by David Hackbridge Johnson with a libretto by Emma Jenkins, this uplifting show combines traditional Welsh harmonies with 1950s a cappella, operetta, gospel, and big band influences.
Caroline Clegg returns as director, with James Southall conducting. Many of the original cast reprise their roles, including Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts as Chorus Master Dafydd Pugh, Rebecca Evans as Nerys Price, Mark Llewelyn Evans as Caradog Probert, Themba Mvula as Anthony, Adam Gilbert as Emlyn, and Feargal Mostyn-Williams as Bryn Bevan. Lea Shaw joins as Blodwen, alongside Angharad Morgan as Bronwen and Angharad Lyddon as Branwen.
Blaze of Glory! plays at Milton Keynes Theatre on Sat 16 May.
