Welsh National Opera has announced that it will be withdrawing two performances from its 2024-25 season due to increasing financial difficulties. Performances in Cardiff, Bristol and Llandudno, previously announced in February, will no longer be taking place.

The opera company initially had plans to tour to The Bristol Hippodrome in February 2025, and Venue Cymru, Llandudno in May 2025, with performances of Rigoletto and The Marriage of Figaro which have now both been cancelled.

Tour cancellations will also affect performances of Peter Grimes and Play Opera LIVE, WNO's interactive, initiative aimed at introducing opera to younger audiences. Despite these announcements, WNO has said their visit to Venue Cymru in the Autumn and its Autumn performances of Rigoletto will both be unaffected.

Christopher Barron, WNO’s interim general director said: ‘Our new financial situation means that we have the challenge of balancing a reduced budget whilst maintaining artistic standards in providing a stimulating programme of performance and engagement activities. This means taking decisions that are difficult but, in the circumstances, unavoidable. These have been carefully considered and have been discussed with both our venues and the Arts Councils.’ Barron went on to say ‘We are committed to continuing to deliver this work and ensuring our long-term future as Wales’s national opera company.’