Wellness with WNO

Working in collaboration with WNO facilitators Jenny Pearson and Kate Woolveridge and WNO producer April Heade, Zoë is responsible for co-devising, planning and leading Wellness with WNO. This six-week online programme was developed with NHS medical professionals and is designed to support people experiencing feelings of breathlessness and anxiety that have continued longer-term after the initial symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.

Wellness with WNO drop-in sessions

As part of Welsh National Opera’s ongoing commitment to participants who have completed the initial six week Wellness with WNO programme, fortnightly drop-in sessions are offered for those who would like to engage with the programme longer-term. Zoë is sole lead for this part of the project, responsible for devising and facilitating all sessions.

WNO Singing Sessions at Neath Port Talbot Hospital

Zoë performs regular Welsh National Opera concerts/singing sessions for long stay patients (and relatives) at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, working with pianist Rhiannon Pritchard.

Working in mainstream primary schools with baritone and workshop leader Dyfed Wyn Evans, Zoë co-devises and leads weekly WNO Teach opera workshops for Welsh National Opera in schools across South Wales.

In addition to this, Zoë co-devises weekly WNO Teach workshops for participants with SEND/ALN. These workshops take the form of musical storytelling projects, for which Zoë also co-creates all project content (libretto, music and art work) in collaboration with pianist and workshop leader Dan Perkin. 

WNO Teach

Opera Workshops at the Dubai Expo

In 2022 Zoë devised and led opera workshops at the Dubai Expo on behalf of Welsh National Opera and Welsh Government. Working with pianist Rhiannon Pritchard and baritone Craig Yates, Zoë’s brief from WNO’s Programmes and Engagement team was to create workshops introducing primary school participants to the world of opera in an enjoyable, engaging, creative and inspirational way. 

The Red Dragon/Y Ddraig Goch

The Red Dragon/Y Ddraig Goch is an interactive, musical storytelling project for participants with SEND/ALN created during the 2021 Covid lockdown. Commissioned by Mid Wales Opera with the support of the Arts Council of Wales, the project was initially delivered (to pupils at Portfield School in Haverfordwest) as a series of weekly digital workshops involving body percussion, singing, signing and acting, along with invitations to send in art work. Zoë is vocal animateur, librettist and co-composer for the project, responsible for delivering, devising and creating all project content (libretto, music & artwork) in collaboration with pianist and workshop leader, Dan Perkin.