Gweneth Ann Rand and Simon Wilding make their mainstage company debuts at Garsington Opera in summer 2026, as Marianne Leitmetzerin and the Police Commissar, in Bruno Ravella’s acclaimed production of Der Rosenkavalier.
The performances, with the Philharmonia Orchestra, are conducted by Finnegan Downie Dear.
Simon will also cover the role of Baron Ochs.
Following The Royal Ballet & Opera’s season announcement for 2024/25…
Rhonda Browne and Alison Kettlewell make their their debuts at the Royal Opera House as Filipyevna and Madame Larina in Ted Huffman’s new production of Eugene Onegin, conducted by Henrik Nánasi.
They also perform Schwertleite and Rossweisse in Die Walküre, the second instalment of Barrie Kosky’s new Ring Cycle, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano.
Alison will also understudy Karita Matilla as Kostelnička in the first revival of Claus Guth’s production of Jenůfa.
Simon Wilding understudies the roles of Luther and Crespel in Damiano Michieletto’s new production of Les contes d’Hoffmann.
Ailish Tynan performs Christine in the world premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s opera, Festen, based on the 1998 Danish film of the same name, directed by Richard Jones and conducted by Edward Gardner.
Wyn Pencarreg returns as Alcindoro in Richard Jones’ production of La bohème, conducted by Speranza Scappucci.
We are delighted that English bass Simon Wilding has joined our artist roster for general management. Born in Leigh, Lancashire he studied at the Royal Northern College of Music.
In the current season he performs Hunding Die Walküre (Pacific Opera Victoria, London Opera Company); Fafner Das Rheingold, Siegfried (Longborough Festival Opera); and Pistol Falstaff (West Green House Opera). Further ahead he returns to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Highlights in recent seasons include 2nd Soldier Salome (Royal Opera House); Sparafucile Rigoletto (Opera Holland Park); The Doctor/Clerk The Nose (Royal Danish Opera); Employee / Watchman / Servant / Policeman / Gentleman / Acquaintance of Kovalyov in Barrie Kosky’s production of The Nose (Royal Opera House, Komische Oper, Teatro Real); Russell The Exterminating Angel (Royal Danish Opera); Sacristan Tosca (Grange Park Opera); and Judge Turpin Sweeney Todd (West Green House Opera).
