News and Events
John Fisher to step down as chief exec of WNO
27th Aug 2010
The departure comes at the end of Fisher’s five-year contract with the company, during which time it established a secure base in the Wales Millennium Centre, and consolidated its dual position as the national producing opera company of Wales and the largest provider of opera to venues in regional England.
In June, an economic impact study revealed that the company contributes £22.5 million to the Welsh economy, five times the revenue funding it receives from the Arts Council of Wales. WNO also receives £7 million from Arts Council England and raises £4.5 million through ticket sales and fundraising. Its set building subsidiary, Cardiff Theatrical Services, is a major supplier to the state, commercial and international opera and theatre sectors.
During the summer, WNO’s production of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, featuring Bryn Terfel’s first appearance as Hans Sachs, was acclaimed as a high point in the company’s 64-year history.
Fisher, who began his career with the company in 1972 and caused something of a stir in the opera world when he left the Metropolitan Opera in New York to take up his current position in 2006, has not yet indicated what his future plans are.
Source:The Stage
