We spread our wings but what are the consequences?

The desire to broaden our horizons is a natural one, but for many, it is a necessity to improve on circumstances. However, the result of doing so often has unintended consequences.

Through a series of parallel storylines, Welsh National Opera’s new opera explores the highs and lows of migration: from the migration of birds to the sailing of The Mayflower over 400 years ago; from the story of an Afro-Caribbean slave in Bristol to the experience of Indian doctors working in the NHS.

The versatility of the music, composed by British composer Will Todd with additional music Jasdeep Singh Degun is unlike anything ever performed at WNO, and adapts to the setting and mood of each narrative, written by six writers from diverse backgrounds. An expanded WNO Orchestra is joined by a cast of over 100 performers, including WNO Chorus, Renewal Choir Community Chorus, Bollywood ensemble and a children’s chorus.

This is an epic drama on a huge scale, an unmissable live experience.

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The Times

“A testament to the power of multicultural collaboration, Migrations pulses with life”

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The Stage

“Shows WNO at its best”

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The Observer

“WNO’s multi-stranded new opera exploring human migration is a joy”

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The Guardian

“Shows WNO at its best”

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The Times

“Todd has his work cut out providing a diverse yet unified language and he does a grand job . . . the score is full of deft touches.”

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The Stage

“The experienced Todd brings a wide range of musical skills to scoring the piece – above all an immediacy in which considerable variety and sheer power make for a consistently engaging experience.”

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The Guardian

“With six different narrative threads, five authors from differing backgrounds and the heroic effort of a single composer, Will Todd”

“…proof that opera is still a language that is perfectly apt for telling contemporary, relevant stories”  Art Scene Wales

“wonderful experience….Migrations is special and different”  Weston-Super-Mum

Production photos by Craig Fuller/WNO

WNO Migrations, The Mayflower WNO Chorus, photo credit Craig Fuller

WNO Migrations Treaty No 6, Tom Randle: Chief Pay Pay See See, Moo Zwakele Tshabalala: Chief Pee Ay Sis
photo credit Craig Fuller

WNO Migrations Treaty No 6, Marion Newman: Dawn, Isabelle Peters: Nadine
photo credit Craig Fuller

WNO Migrations This is the Life Bollywood Ensemble, photo credit Craig Fuller

WNO Migrations Flight Death or Fog, credit Craig Fuller

WNO Migrations Flight Death or Fog, Brittany Olivia Logan: Bridget, photo credit Craig Fuller

WNO Migrations, Birds Childrens Chorus, photo credit Craig Fuller