Our story

OPRA Cymru was founded in July 2008 by the former opera director of the Royal Opera House, Patrick Young, and an opening concert took place in Pontrhydfendigaid on 21st June 2009. The company's vision was clear from the start: to bring opera within reach of everyone, by presenting it in Welsh.

Since that opening concert, the company has presented several classics from the operatic repertoire, all performed through the medium of Welsh. A production of Carmen was the company's first tour in schools and village halls, accompanied by three singers and a digital piano; but the company has now grown, and it regularly performs in the main venues in Wales with a chamber ensemble.

In addition to these regular activities, the company has launched a variety of projects that promote opera, including a training program for school pupils; and the company's Promising Artists Scheme, which offers performance and professional development opportunities to young performers at the start of their career.

Patrick Young is the company's Artistic Director and Iwan Teifion Davies is the Artistic Director. The company has also appointed Huw Ynyr as community engagement officer.

Wythno yng Nghymru Fydd was OPRA Cymru's first premiere production of an opera in the Welsh language. The show won the 'Best Production in the Welsh Language' award at the Theatr Cymru Awards 2018.

The company has recently commissioned the composer Gareth Glyn to write his second opera, a version of Wales' most famous novel, Un Nos Ola Leuad by the notable 20th century author and poet, Caradog Pritchard.