Phillip Newton
Welsh National Opera’s (WNO) General Director, AIDAN LANG, has announced he will step down at Christmas after four years in the role.
Lang plans to retire to spend more time with his wife, the singer and director LINDA KITCHEN. He will remain in post to see out the end of WNO’s current season, which goes on tour around England and Wales from next week.
Lang first joined WNO as a staff director in the 1980s before embarking on an international career, including General Director of Seattle Opera and, before that, General Director of New Zealand Opera.
At the WNO, Lang oversaw a digital programme mounted during the pandemic and the company’s return to live performances after closure of live venues.
Lang said, "Having worked in opera in different roles continuously for over 40 years, I feel the time is now right for me to enjoy more time with my family and for someone else to take WNO to its next chapter.
"My love for opera was ignited as a student in Birmingham watching WNO productions, and I am thoroughly looking forward to returning as an audience member.”
Lang’s departure comes after funding from Arts Council England for WNO was cut by £2.2 m last year, more than a third of its previous grant, a move many in the company say will lead to a sharp reduction in performances.
WNO Chair YVETTE VAUGHAN-JONES, said, “Aidan’s artistic credentials are second to none and, despite the unprecedented challenges of the last four years and the impact these have had on the arts sector, his artistic leadership has ensured that WNO remains ambitious and relevant and will continue to do so into the future.”