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DAVID NICHOLSON signs a petition to view a thrilling operatic performance saved by the concerted industrial action of its orchestra and chorus
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Rigoletto
Millennium Centre, Cardiff

OPERA-GOERS were aghast to find out on the opening night of Welsh National Opera’s Rigoletto that the company is facing a funding crisis which could see its doors closed. 

The 30-strong chorus are members of the performers’ union Equity and demonstrated outside the Millennium Centre against cuts by the Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England.

The company’s response to its reduced budget was to cut back its touring schedule and remove the full-time orchestra and chorus, cutting pay and hours and leading to redundancies.

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