Donald Maxwell joins WNO board

Welsh National Opera (WNO) has announced the appointment of baritone Donald Maxwell to its board of directors. In his new role, Maxwell will support the board in overseeing the Company’s affairs and future plans.

Maxwell’s new role builds on the close relationship he has maintained with WNO since making his debut with the company in 1982. Maxwell has given over 500 performances with WNO and has also supported the organisation’s relationship with its audiences as president of its membership programme, WNO Friends.

Maxwell said: ‘Welsh National Opera has been a central part of my life for over 40 years and I had the good fortune to perform some wonderful roles with the Company. These are now challenging times for opera and for performers. I look forward to helping WNO meet these challenges, and also making sure that the Company's marvellous work over the last 75 years continues to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.’ 

As well as experience gained over an opera career lasting more than 45 years, Maxwell brings to his new position skills developed through a variety of leadership roles in the classical music sector including director of the National Opera Studio and head of opera studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

WNO board chair Yvette Vaughan Jones said: ‘Donald will bring invaluable experience as an international singer with a strong connection to WNO and will further strengthen the skills of our current board members as we continue to shape the future of the Company.’