Welsh National Opera names Interim General Director

CHRISTOPHER BARRON will become Welsh National Opera's (WNO) Interim General Director in early January 2024. 

Barron brings experience in arts management and leadership across theatre, opera, dance and music as former General Manager of Edinburgh International Festival. 

He has also served as Chief Executive at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, alongside Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Brighton Festival and Dome.

WNO's General Director, AIDAN LANG, is set to retire in September after four years in the role.

Barron said: “As a student at Swansea University, I was lucky enough to see numerous WNO productions during its regular tours to the city. 

"Subsequently, I have followed and been hugely impressed by the Company’s work throughout my career. 

"My main priority will be to act as guardian to the Company, planning for its future whilst continuing to deliver artistic excellence in all it presents, including the extensive programme in the community.”

WNO Chair YVETTE VAUGHAN-JONES added: “The vast experience and skills Christopher will bring during this time will give us this stability and allow us to ensure continuity of our work, offering exceptional experiences both on stage in our concerts and productions, and through our projects and collaborations in the communities we serve.” 

The search for a successor to Lang will begin in the new year.