Jon Pountney’s Photography Exhibition Captures 80 Years of Life

The Wales Millennium Centre hosts a new display marking Welsh National Opera’s 80th anniversary. Photographer Jon Pountney presents images that reveal the company at work.

The show is installed in the upper foyer, on the right of the main entrance. It is free to view and open 9am–5pm daily and during performances.

Exhibition run

The installation remains on view until Sunday 26 April 2026. Visitors can see the work during events at the venue.

Behind the images

Pountney was granted extensive access during the first year of the new co-leadership. He documented rehearsals, orchestra and chorus activity, and production crafts.

He approached opera without prior experience. This fresh perspective led him to experiment with long and multiple exposures and diffracting lenses.

Personal connections and moments

Pountney has known Adele Thomas for more than 25 years. He asked to record her and Sarah Crabtree’s first year as co-General Directors and CEOs, and they agreed.

The WNO Chorus dubbed him “Lord Snowdon.” He describes shooting from the side of the stage as a uniquely thrilling experience.

Why visit

The photography exhibition highlights people, process and the emotion at the heart of opera. It invites audiences to consider how performance can move and include everyone.

Opera fans and the opera-curious alike will find intimate backstage moments and striking onstage stills. Filmogaz.com encourages a visit to experience the work first-hand.