Derek Welton made his début as the Wanderer in Siegfried in April 2025, completing the trio of Wotans in Das Rheingold, Die Walküre and Siegfried.

The début took place at the State Opera in Prague on 1 April, quickly followed by the second performance on 4 April in the Philharmonie de Paris. A further performance takes place in the Cologne Philharmonie on 10 April.

Praise for Derek’s performance has already appeared in the press:

‘Just like last year, the entire production was completely dominated by the Australian singer Derek Welton. Clear gestures and austere expression were enough for him to portray the natural authority of the ruler of the gods in Valhalla: his performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the performance and the audience looked forward to his every appearance on stage. His voice sounded perfectly balanced and he dominated all the singing parts.’ — Aktuálně

‘The admirable and masterful Wanderer of Australian bass-baritone Derek Welton possesses both the nobility of the god who gradually sees his power crumble before being reduced to nothing, and the tenderness of the grandfather discovering the fruit of the forbidden love of his own twins. There is a great deal of humanity in his incarnation, mixed with impressive vocal authority and a typically Wagnerian technique of the long musical phrase, where the performer never shouts, never forces his beautiful natural projection, but passes joyfully over the entire orchestra and easily fills the volume of the Philharmonie. An artist to watch closely in the hope that he will return to Paris in the great Wagnerian roles where we expect him!’ — cult.news

‘The excellent Wotan was the Australian bass-baritone Derek Welton, who has in his voice the means for a perfect balance of the dual characteristics of this role: a regal determination that does not tolerate resistance and a dignified grandeur. He phrased the cantilenas impressively and, in his facial expressions, involuntarily revealed his extensive stage experience with the role.’ — Klasika Plus

‘Australian bass-baritone Derek Welton lent the timbre and beautiful color of his voice to The Wanderer and impressed also with his overall expression and performance on stage.’ — Opera Plus

Photograph © Václav Hodina