Wales' top artists slam Welsh National Opera cuts

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Sir Bryn Terfel is among the big names calling for something to be done

A host of Wales' most famous artists have criticised cuts to the Welsh National Opera (WNO).

A letter of protest signed by over 170 people, including Sir Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Michael Sheen and Ruth Jones, has been sent to First Minister Vaughan Gething.

The famous names say cuts in funding from Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England would be "devastating".

Both organisations have been asked to comment.

WNO announced in April that it is cutting back its spring tour in 2025 and will not be performing in Llandudno or Bristol.

The funding received from Arts Council England was cut by 35%, while Arts Council of Wales reduced its funding to WNO by 11.8% following its investment review announced in September 2023.

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Singer Katherine Jenkins is also on the list of names who have hit out

The letter has been also signed by actor and singer Luke Evans, harpist Catrin Finch and singer Aled Jones.

It was organised by Elizabeth Atherton, herself a singer and member of the Senedd's Cross Party Working Group for Music.

It warns that WNO is "being forced to make its orchestra and chorus part-time".

It also calls the "potential dismantling of one of Wales' finest national institutions devastating for the nation".

Ms Atherton said: "Without emergency financial assistance Wales stands to lose its flagship arts organisation, a brand that represents Wales globally and attracts international talent to our shores."

She called on the Welsh government to "enter into talks with both representatives of WNO and the UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer to discuss how WNO's cross-border agreement for funding can be honoured."

Ms Atherton added that "an emergency package be put in place by both administrations to secure the future of the company".

The Welsh government has been asked to comment.

Earlier this year the Arts Council of Wales said it would continue to cooperate fully with the WNO and others following concerns about the cuts.

The Arts Council of England also said it would work closely with funded organisations who are facing financial challenges.