Make the most of your opera-going. This specially devised programme of events has been designed to maximise your enjoyment of our performances.

Free Pre-performance talks
These 30-minute talks give you an expert introduction to each opera. You'll be provided with everything you need to enjoy your evening. Speakers include WNO's Dramaturg Simon Rees. To book a free ticket speak to the theatres box office.

The Whole Story
Learn more about the operas in David Pountney's first two themed seasons. You will be expertly introduced to the stories, music and background of each opera.

The Cunning Little Vixen and Lulu:
Monday 4 February, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Monday 4 March, Birmingham Hippodrome.
Monday 11 March, Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
Monday 18 March, The Mayflower, Southampton.
Monday 25 March, Milton Keynes Theatre.

Lohengrin and Wagner Dream:
Wednesday 22 May, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Monday 10 June, Birmingham Hippodrome.

The Whole Story events start at 7pm.
£8 per person per session. £4 if you book at the same time for performances of Lulu and The Cunning Little Vixen or Lohengrin and Wagner Dream.
Tickets must be booked in advance.


In Depth Afternoon
Summer 2012
A special afternoon-long event combining performances and talks from guest speakers looking at how Wagner's personal relationships may have inspired Tristan and Isolde.

Thursday 31 May, 2pm - 5.30pm £10 per person. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Autumn 2012
As we perform Handel's last major work Jephtha, we celebrate the art of the oratorio with this afternoon of talks, performances and discussions.

Sunday 16 September, 2pm-5pm, £10 per person. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Come and Sing
These events are perfect for anyone who has ever watched an opera and thought "You know what? I'd like to sing that". No singing experience or music reading ability is necessary, you just need a passion for singing. Over the course of a two-hour workshop you will get to know choral extracts from each opera and then be part of a short private performance.

Wagner
Thursday 31 May, £3 per person. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Jephtha
Wednesday 19 September, £5 per person. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Tuesday 6 November, £5 per person. Birmingham Hippodrome.

All Come and Sing events start at 7pm.

Wagner Masterclass
A special masterclass involving young singers setting out on exploring the music of this great composer.

Friday 31 May, 7pm - 9pm. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Free Post-show cast talk back
Find out more about the performance you have just seen from the people who made it happen. Members of the cast and creative team will talk about the opera you have just seen and answer any questions you may have.

No need to book just simply turn up after the performance.

Summer 2012: La boheme
Friday 8 June, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Friday 15 June, Birmingham Hippodrome

Spring 2013: Madam Butterfly
Friday 22 February, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Wednesday 6 March, Birmingham Hippodrome.
Wednesday 13 March, Venue Cymru.
Thursday 28 March, Milton Keynes.
Wednesday 3 April, Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Free Post-Show discussion
There are some operatic experiences you just need to talk about. These short discussions will give you the opportunity to share your thoughts on the performance you have just seen.

No need to book just simply turn up after the performance.

Summer 2012: Tristan and Isolde
Saturday 26 May, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Saturday 16 June, Birmingham Hippodrome

Summer 2013: Wagner Dream
Thursday 6 June, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Wednesday 12 June, Birmingham Hippodrome.

The Cunning Little Vixen Family Workshop
Share the magic of opera with your family at these fun, interactive workshops.

Sunday 24 February, 1pm - 2.30pm, £3 Adults, £2 Children. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Thursday 14 March, 5pm - 6pm, £3 Adults, £2 Children. Venue Cymru.
Thursday 21 March, 5pm-6pm, £3 Adults, £2 Children. The Mayflower Southampton.
Thursday 7 March, 5pm-6pm, £3 Adults, £2 Children. Birmingham Hippodrome.

Paris Café Afternoon
Bring your friends and family to La boheme and enjoy this perfect curtain raiser. Members of Welsh National Opera perform charming French chansons and jazz classics whilst an afternoon tea is served.

Tuesday 2 October, 3.30pm - 5.30pm, £12 per person. Cardiff.
Thursday 18 October, 3.30pm - 5.30pm, £12 per person. Llandudno.
Thursday 8 November, 3.30pm - 5.30pm, £12 per person. Birmingham.
Wednesday 21 November, 3.30pm - 5.40pm, £12 per person. Liverpool.
Thursday 29 November, 3.30pm - 5.30pm, £12 per person. Bristol.

David Pountney in Conversation
Thursday 7 February, 7pm - 8.30pm. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Tuesday 21 May, 7pm - 8.30pm. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

£8 per person per session. £4 if you book at the same time for performances of Lulu and The Cunning Little Vixen or Lohengrin and Wagner Dream.


Audio Description
These selected performances will be audio described and preceded by a touch tour at 6pm (except for Wales Millennium Centre).

Summer 2012: La boheme
Sunday 3 June, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Friday 15 June, Birmingham Hippodrome.

Autumn 2012: La boheme
Sunday 23 September, 4pm, touch tour 2.45pm. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Saturday 20 October, 7.15pm. Venue Cymru.
Friday 2 November, 7.15pm. The Mayflower, Southampton.
Saturday 10 November, 7.15pm. Birmingham Hippodrome.
Friday 23 November, 7.15pm. Liverpool Empire Theatre.
Saturday 1 December, 7.15pm. The Bristol Hippodrome.

Spring 2013: Madam Butterfly
Friday 1 March, 7.15pm, touch tour at 6pm. Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff.
Friday 8 March, 7.15pm. Birmingham Hippodrome.
Friday 15 March, 7.15pm. Venue Cymru.
Friday 22 March, 7.15pm. The Mayflower, Southampton.
Saturday 30 March, 7.15pm . Milton Keynes Theatre.


Programmes
You can find out more about the opera you are attending by buying a programme in advance. WNO programmes are available by mail order, to be mailed following the first performance in Cardiff, at a cost of £4 plus 50p postage and packing (cheque or credit/debit card only). For more information call 029 2063 5030 or email marketing@wno.org.uk

Tickets must be booked in advance for all events apart from Post-show cast talk backs and Post-show discussions.

Wales Millennium Centre Box office: 029 2063 6464
Birmingham Hippodrome Box office: 0844 338 5000
The Bristol Hippodrome events call: 029 2063 5030
Liverpool Empire Theatre events: 029 2063 5030
Venue Cymru, Llandudno events: 029 2063 5030
Milton Keynes Theatre events: 029 2063 5030
New Theatre Oxford events: 029 2063 5030
Theatre Royal Plymouth Box office: 01752 267222
The Mayflower, Southampton Box office: 02380 711811
Swansea Grand Theatre Box office: 01792 475715