In a vibrant Cardiff rehearsal room, a new creative energy is palpable. The Welsh National Opera (WNO), a cornerstone of British culture, is undergoing a profound transformation under the joint leadership of its groundbreaking artistic directors, Adele Thomas and Sarah Crabtree.
Their mission is as ambitious as it is vital: to safeguard the future of opera by making it more accessible, relevant, and exhilarating for 21st-century audiences, all while navigating the precarious landscape of arts funding.
A Partnership Forged in Innovation
Thomas, a celebrated theatre director, and Crabtree, the company's former Head of Music, represent a unique shared leadership model. They describe their collaboration not as a division of labour, but as a creative meeting of minds. "We're trying to create a culture where it's not about one vision," explains Thomas, emphasising their commitment to collective creativity over a single autocratic voice.
This approach is already bearing fruit. Their inaugural production, a critically acclaimed take on Verdi's Un ballo in maschera, set in a 1980s nightclub, is a testament to their fresh, audacious vision. It signals a clear intent to honour the music while fearlessly reimagining the staging to resonate with contemporary crowds.
The Funding Fight and a Forward-Looking Vision
The shadow of a 35% real-terms cut to the WNO's Arts Council England funding looms large. Yet, Thomas and Crabtree meet this challenge not with despair, but with defiant innovation. Their strategy is twofold: to diversify income streams and to prove opera's indispensable value to society.
"We have to be smarter and more imaginative," Crabtree states, outlining plans that extend far beyond the mainstage. This includes nurturing the next generation through the WNO's youth opera and embedding community ensembles across Wales and England. Their goal is to demystify opera, positioning it as an art form for everyone, not just a privileged few.
Building the Mainstage of the Future
Looking ahead, the duo's programme is a bold blend of the classic and the contemporary. Plans are underway for new, commissioned operas that tell urgent, modern stories, ensuring the art form continues to evolve and reflect the world around us.
At the heart of their philosophy is a profound belief in the power of live performance. "We're living in a digital age," says Thomas, "but people are craving the liveness, the shared experience, the ritual of coming together." They are dedicated to making every WNO performance an unforgettable, collective event that crackles with energy and emotional truth.
Under the stewardship of Thomas and Crabtree, the Welsh National Opera is being reimagined. It is becoming a house of breathtaking music, bold theatricality, and radical inclusivity—a vital national institution passionately preparing itself for the future.
