Welsh National Opera has announced its 2025/2026 season, which will also see the company celebrate its 80th anniversary. 

Welsh director, producer and video designer Jack Furness makes his WNO debut to direct this fresh and contemporary reimagining of Wagner’s early masterpiece, The Flying Dutchman, which will be conducted by WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus.

From the opening notes of the thunderous overture to the haunting arias, Wagner’s music evokes the power of the ocean, perfectly setting the scene for this tale which explores the deeply human emotions of loneliness and longing for connection.

In a fitting nod to WNO’s 80th anniversary, the season will see the return to the stage of Blaze of Glory!, which follows a group of Welsh miners as they embark on a musical journey to reform their male voice choir after a local mining disaster.

Steeped in the Welsh choral tradition and with community spirit at its heart, this is the perfect way to celebrate this special milestone for WNO, which itself emerged from the post-War period, sparked by the passion for music held by a group of amateur performers from across South Wales, including doctors, miners and teachers.

Composed by David Hackbridge Johnson, and with a libretto by Emma Jenkins, this uplifting show combines traditional Welsh harmonies with the acapella sounds of the 1950s, with operetta, gospel and big band added into the mix. 

Caroline Clegg returns to direct, with James Southall conducting. Many of the original cast will return, including Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts as the Chorus Master Dafydd Pugh, Rebecca Evans as Nerys Price, Themba Mvula as Anthony and Feargal Mostyn-Williams as Bryn Bevan.

WNO will visit Birmingham Hippodrome in May 2026 with a brand-new production of The Flying Dutchman (Thursday 7 May 2026) and the return of Blaze of Glory! (Friday 8 May 2026).

Tickets will go on sale to Friends of Birmingham Hippodrome on Wednesday 26 February at 11am and on general sale on Monday 3 March at 11am.  Tickets can be purchased at birminghamhippodrome.com