CAMPAIGNERS called today for the governments in Wales and England to come up with emergency funding to rescue the Welsh National Opera (WNO).

Many figures in the arts signed the letter to ministers in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, including singers Bryn Terfel and Katherine Jenkins and actors Michael Sheen and Luke Evans.

The campaign came after the WNO responded to cuts to its funding from the Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England by making its orchestra and chorus work part time and reducing wages.

Musicians Union (MU) Wales officer Andy Warnock said: “These proposed cuts would be hugely damaging for our members and professional music in Wales and south-west England.”

MU national organiser for orchestras Jo Laverty added: “Through no fault of their own, WNO is having to make invidious decisions about how to make cuts in the company.”

An online petition set up by the WNO orchestra with the Musicians Union, calling for it to be retained as a full-time company, has received over 8,000 signatures.

The Welsh government was asked to comment.