Full time wage, full time chorus, no compulsory redundancies
Singers and Equity members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) chorus are facing devastating cuts to their jobs and pay.
The chorus has long been an integral part of the WNO’s success and the cultural fabric of Wales. The reduction in the number of choristers, compounded by the move towards compulsory redundancy, threatens not only the livelihoods of these talented individuals but also the future of the Opera itself.
Show your support now by writing to the WNO General Directors and ask them to reconsider the current plans and to not cut voices from the chorus.
Writing to the WNO General Directors takes less than a minute and can be sent in English or in Welsh.
Write to the WNO General DirectorsWe demand:
- A full time Chorus
- A full time wage
- No compulsory redundancies
We reject a proposal that would result in:
- At least a 15% cut to chorus members’ pay
- A reduction in contracted hours despite the high workload of performances and rehearsal
- A cut to the overall number of chorus members with real threat of compulsory redundancies
Save jobs, livelihoods and a treasured part of Welsh culture.
Save the Welsh National Opera Chorus
The world-renowned Chorus of Welsh National Opera is facing compulsory job cuts.
Just a decade ago, the WNO Chorus was 40 choristers strong. But, due to funding cuts, this number has been reduced to only 22. Now, the WNO management, operating under a Transformation Milestone plan agreed with the Arts Council of England and Wales, is proposing even further cuts, which would bring the chorus down to just 20 full-time singers through compulsory redundancies by the summer of 2025.
These are highly specialised roles, and for those facing redundancy, the loss of their position is more than just a job – it’s the end of their career in Wales. With few opportunities for professional singers left, displaced choristers will have to choose between leaving the industry or relocating with no guarantee of future employment, as full-time roles are becoming increasingly rare.
Commenting Equity’s Wales Official Simon Curtis said: “We have been clear from the very start of this dispute: the chorus will not accept compulsory redundancies.
"We urge WNO management to reassess their business plan and budget given recent financial developments – including Arts Council of Wales (ACW) Resilience Funding, an increased ACW budget for 2025/6, and potential discussions around direct Welsh Government support – and not make cuts that would harm the livelihoods of the workforce and quality of the WNO’s opera provision.”
Read more in our news story"I am a mother of three living a very basic lifestyle, these cuts will put me just above minimum wage and this is unsustainable for me and my children. With few opportunities here in Wales to transfer my skill set it could force me out of my home and possibly out of the sector."
Claire Hampton, Equity deputy (workplace representative) and Soprano, member of WNO chorus for 22 years
