The Orchestra of Welsh National Opera has 55 members and was formed in 1970. Since then it has become internationally recognised as a world-class ensemble by both critics and audiences. Performing 120 performances of nine operas each year in Cardiff and across the UK, the Orchestra of WNO has performed the full traditional operatic repertoire, as well as more contemporary composers such as Janácek, Tippett and James MacMillan.
In addition to their main-scale performances the 55 strong Orchestra of Welsh National Opera performs a number of concerts throughout the country each year including three concerts as part of the St Davids Hall Orchestral Concert Series and is one of two resident orchestras for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. Recent guest performances have included the Llangollen International Eistedfodd, the Barbican’s Great Perfomers series and the BBC Proms.
In smaller ensembles and as individual players, members of the Orchestra fulfil a wide programme of events including working with children, adults and elderly people through WNO's work with schools and community groups.