Derek Welton’s appearance as the Wanderer in Siegfried at the Opéra national de Paris will be broadcast on Radio France’s station France Musique on 21 February 2026 at 20:00 CET, accessible online via this link.

Welton’s vocal and dramatic performance received widespread critical acclaim, including the following:

‘The king of the Gods is interpreted by Derek Welton, who proves equally convincing with beautiful phrasing, a beautiful metallic voice and powerful acting, embodied by his imposing presence.’ — cult.news

‘The precious bronze of a bass-baritone voice as noble as it is remarkably controlled’ — Le Figaro

In the role of Wotan, Derek Welton displays superb presence, both physically and vocally. The animalistic virility he exudes does not diminish the character’s vulnerability. The bass-baritone delivers a fully authoritative performance.’ — sceneweb.fr

‘Derek Welton’s athletic build and virile sound made his Wanderer a potent force.’ — Seen & Heard International

‘To heap praise on Derek Welton: Paris finally has a Wotan/Wanderer worthy of the name. With his effortless projection, power, and bewitching timbre, his voice is as enchanting as his stage presence.’ — Classique c’est cool

Bass-baritone Derek Welton gave an excellent performance as the Wanderer/Wotan, also standing out for his effective stage movements, enhanced by his muscular physique.’ — Il Giornale della Musica

‘Derek Welton is an exceptional Wanderer, with beautiful low notes and wonderful legato; he is also physically imposing with shaved head and commanding, haughty gestures.’ — Un fauteuil pour l’orchestre

As the Wanderer, Derek Welton brought a voice of striking amplitude and grain, its dark, burnished timbre conveying authority without heaviness. His presence made it unmistakable that this is a god who has renounced his power and now wanders anonymously through the ruins of his former order.’ — My Scena

‘Derek Welton’s noble Wanderer was masterful, with a full and imposing voice and harmonics full of vibrant color.’ — Scherzo

‘Derek Welton is also magnificent, with biting timbre and distinguished singing’ — ConcertoNet

‘Irreproachable: the young and increasingly established Wanderer of Australian bass-baritone Derek Welton, with youthful timbre and ideal colour.’ — La Vanguardia

‘The Wotan of the previous parts gives way to Derek Welton as Wanderer, darker, weightier and also more disillusioned’ — Web Théâtre

‘Andreas Schager’s Siegfried and Derek Welton’s Wotan are in particularly good voice’ — La Terrasse

Derek Welton retains the powerful intensity of the God of Gods, with a voice ready to set the world ablaze. — Classykêo

‘Derek Welton’s Wotan impresses with his stature and vocal power.’ — Concert Classic

‘Derek Welton is a Wanderer (Wotan) full of aggression with a generous vocal line’ — Res Musica

‘The Wanderer is excellently played by Derek Welton. He has a dark, powerful voice and the air of a man who can change the game.’ — Sipario

Derek Welton excels in the “guessing game” scene with Mime (Act 1) and in the duet with Alberich (Act 2). The mysterious Wanderer seemed to offer an almost impeccable vocal performance.’ — Agenda Liternet

Having finished performing in Paris, Derek Welton is currently rehearsing at the Opéra de Lyon for his role début as John Claggart in Billy Budd, which has its premiere on 21 March 2026. He also appears on 28 February and 1 March as König Marke in a concert performance of Act 2 of Tristan und Isolde with the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Photograph © Herwig Prammer | Opéra national de Paris