BLOG: Opera Forum Wales, March 2025
On 1 March, we had an inspiring meeting with the Wales Opera Forum to discuss the future of opera in Wales. If you couldn’t make it – or if you’d like a refresher on the key discussions – head to our website for a blog piece from Michael McCarthy reflecting on the day:
“It was wonderful to see so many people from different aspects of the opera sector from across Wales gathered together and participating in a lively conversation about how we might be able to share more information, ideas, resources and concerns.
The afternoon began with an introduction from the newly appointed General Directors of WNO – Sarah Crabtree and Adele Thomas – presenting their developing vision for the company and their desire to connect with the wider sector. It was exciting to feel that this could be the start of a new way of working in Wales.
Important as it is to share perspectives and concerns, we also moved on to talking about the purpose of OFW and agreed that we needed to coordinate how we present the best possible case for government support for all creative activity in Wales and how we might start sharing more information about what is going on in opera across Wales. The next meeting of the Steering Group is arranged for 1st April to move these things forward and to explore how we can ensure OFW is able to fully function going forward.
Finally, I am delighted that the idea of appointing a rotating Chair for general meetings was embraced and that Daniel Aguirre-Evans will be chairing the next event.”