WNO shrinks touring programme amid funding cuts

Welsh National Opera (WNO) has announced that it will no longer tour to Liverpool, due to a substantial reduction in its public funding. The decision was taken following Arts Council England’s (ACE) Investment Programme announcement which took place earlier this month and will take immediate effect.

WNO receives National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Councils of both England and Wales but, in this round of funding has lose over a third of its original ACE sum. This reduction totals £2.2m and necessitates spending limits by the company.

WNO’s general director Aidan Lang said: ‘Following their recent announcement, we are now facing a significant cut to our ACE funding. The reality of this means that we have no option but to make cost savings and this will result in difficult decisions. Our decision to withdraw from performing in Liverpool is regrettable, but has been carefully considered, taking into account a wide range of factors which will help us to make cost savings without impacting the quality of our work.’

The company began touring to Liverpool in 1968 with performances at the Royal Court before moving to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre in 1976. WNO performances which were originally intended to tour to Liverpool in 2023 included Blaze of Glory! and The Magic Flute.

WNO brings opera, concerts and education to venues across both Wales and England English regions. Lang commented on the steps the company is taking to continue operating amid funding cuts and rising costs: ‘We are committed to continue delivering our work but will need to diligently review the impact of rising costs and funding cuts as we move forward.’