Welsh National Opera (WNO) said it has been forced to cancel planned performances in England after a £2.2m funding hit. The world-renowned opera company said a recently announced 35% reduction in its funding from Arts Council England meant it was no longer able to fulfil planned performances at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, where it has staged operas since 1976.
WNO receives national portfolio organisation (NPO) funding from both the arts councils of England and Wales to provide large-scale opera, concerts and outreach work across Wales and to seven cities and regions in England. It had planned performances of the Magic Flute in Liverpool from April 12th-14th and a Blaze of Glory on the 15th.
The cancelled week is the only one impacted in its 2022-23 season.
WNO general director Aidan Lang said: “We have had to make the very difficult decision to remove Liverpool from our touring programme. We know that this will come as a deep disappointment to our audiences in Liverpool and Merseyside, and I would like to thank them for their support since our first performances in Liverpool at the Royal Court in 1968, before moving to Liverpool Empire Theatre from 1976.
“Following their recent announcement, we are now facing a significant cut to our Arts Council of England 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.
“In recent years, we have taken many steps to reduce our costs, whilst maintaining the balance of producing work of the highest artistic standard and a stimulating programme of engagement activities. 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.”
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