Welsh National Opera and the Genesis Foundation are looking to nurture and inspire the next generation of opera talent by offering an up and coming director a two-year contract and the chance to work on some of the Company’s newest work, mentored by WNO Chief Executive and Artistic Director David Pountney.
Support from the Genesis Foundation means this rare opportunity can be offered to the candidate who shows the right flair and track record to take on the role. The Genesis Assistant Director will initially work on David Pountney’s new production of Berg’s Lulu in spring 2013, but will also have the opportunity to work on, among others, new productions of Lohengrin and Roberto Devereux as well as the premieres of several new operas planned by WNO over the next few years. The role will involve both main scale productions and projects within WNO’s community and education programme, WNO MAX.
The nationwide search for the successful candidate will begin this summer and WNO will work with others in the arts industry to compile a short-list of candidates. The final appointment will be made by a panel led by David Pountney- with the Genesis Assistant Director taking up his or her post by January 2013.
This new role comes at an exciting time for WNO following the announcement earlier this year of the Company’s ambitious future artistic plans. Over the next few years, these plans include the British premiere of a staged production of Jonathan Harvey’s Wagner Dream in summer 2013, and new productions of Lohengrin, Manon Lescaut, Boulevard Solitude, Moses und Aron and Nabucco, as well as a four-year long exploration of the Bel Canto repertoire.
WNO Chief Executive and Artistic Director, David Pountney said: “The training of new talent, be they singers, directors, technical staff or administrators, is a vital part of our activity and an essential life-line for the future. We are very pleased to be able to join with the Genesis Foundation in creating a post for a young director who will be able develop with us, challenged by the quality of the company, and protected by its friendly family atmosphere.”
WNO has a well-established record of identifying young singers, musicians, conductors, composers, librettists and directors and helping them to develop their talents under the guidance of WNO professionals. Many acclaimed artists including Bryn Terfel, Rebecca Evans, the late Sir Charles Mackerras, David Pountney and Katie Mitchell worked with WNO in their early opera careers and have remained loyal to WNO returning frequently to the Company.
John Studzinski, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation, said: “The Genesis Foundation is committed to fostering emerging artists and I believe the best way to do this is to enable them to work with and learn from an outstanding mentor, which they will have here in David Pountney. The Genesis Assistant Director scheme will provide an all-too-rare opportunity for a promising young director to operate at the heart of one of the UK’s leading opera companies and we’re excited to be working with Welsh National Opera for the first time in this capacity.”
