Welsh National Opera has an excellent record of identifying young British singers and developing their talent and is committed to helping young singers, repetiteurs and directors at the beginning of their career. Each year WNO engages between 3 and 4 part-time or full-time Associate Artists – singers, and occasionally, repetiteurs and directors to work on mainscale production or with WNO MAX (which, encompassing education and access, creates touring opera, concerts, participatory projects, collaborations and events beyond opera performances on the main-stage). In addition to their work with WNO, the singers/accompanists receive coaching with John Fisher, General Director, Russell Moreton, Head of Music Staff and other members of the WNO music staff as well receiving language coaching from guest language coaches.

The singers and repetiteurs also receive coaching on their recital repertoire and often there are opportunities for the Associate Artists to give recitals during the period of engagement. Some vocal masterclasses and drama work may also be planned during the year. Staff directors may either assist directors on mainscale work or direct projects with WNO MAX and repetiteurs may play for mainscale rehearsals, auditions and max projects.

Application to audition for an Associate Artist contract is by invitation only from Isabel Murphy, WNO’s Director of Opera Planning. Prospective Associate Artists will be required to audition for the General Director, Music Director, Director of Opera Planning and Head of Music Staff.

WNO’s annual season normally includes 8 or 9 operas on the mainscale, concerts and in addition a changing and wide variety of work within WNO MAX. In order to give singers/repetiteurs/directors the appropriate experience, engagements can be varied in length and might not necessarily be for an entire year or might be for a longer period.

NOTE
General Auditions for singers
WNO holds regular general auditions and in order to be considered for a general audition, singers will need to demonstrate that they have undergone extensive professional training and/or are already working on a professional level.

If you would like to be considered for a general audition, please write to Mairi Coyle, Casting Administrator, Welsh National Opera, Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL enclosing a CV, repertoire list and recent photograph. Mairi is contactable by email at mairi.coyle@wno.org.uk. Singers will be required to bring at least 3 contrasting arias. The audition will normally last no more than 10 minutes and the panel will probably hear two arias during that time offering the singer first choice and the panel will then choose the second aria to be sung. There is a waiting list and sometimes it might take 6 months before an audition time is offered. Please note WNO is not able to provide any expenses towards travel for the audition. If you live overseas, please give Mairi the earliest notice of your planned visit to the UK with a range of days available.