Search begins for first Genesis Assistant Director at Welsh National Opera
Monday, 23 July 2012
The Genesis Foundation and Welsh National Opera are looking to nurture and inspire the next generation of opera talent with the launch of a major new partnership. The Genesis Assistant Director programme offers an up and coming director a two-year contract and the chance to work on some of the Welsh National Opera’s newest work, mentored by Chief Executive and Artistic Director David Pountney.
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 new productions of Lohengrin and Roberto Devereux and premieres of several new operas. 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 Welsh National Opera 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.
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.”
Welsh National Opera is the flagship performing arts company of Wales with an international reputation for the highest artistic standards, accessibility and outstanding live experiences. The Company 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 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.”
For more information about the new Genesis Assistant Director programme, click here.