Opera North

Opera North is an official partner of Classic FM. Based in Leeds and touring widely, it is one of the largest arts organisations outside London. The Orchestra of Opera North is the only opera orchestra which also has a full symphonic concert programme.

The company aims to make bold, innovative, ambitious work and share it in new ways. Its award-winning productions tour to theatre stages and concert halls throughout the North and beyond, including to London and major international festivals. It also curates an eclectic artistic programme of gigs, concerts, spoken word and film in the Howard Assembly Room in central Leeds.

Opera North believes opera and music is for everyone, and champions diversity in artists, repertoire and audiences.

Opera North Learning & Engagement connects with communities and inspires each generation, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of people through arts participation and performance.

The company’s recent awards include three accolades for their 2023 production of Monteverdi’s 1607 opera ‘Orpheus’ – Achievement in Opera at the UK Theatre Awards, Outstanding Achievement in Opera at the Critics’ Circle Awards, and Best Stage Production at the Asian Media Awards.

They also won an Outstanding Musical Initiative award for ‘Big Sing: The Water Diviner’s Tale’ at the 2023 Music & Drama Education Awards, and a Best Opera award for their production of ‘Rigoletto’ at the 2022 South Bank Sky Arts Awards.

Did you know?

Opera North was originally known as English National Opera North. Its first performance was of Saint-Saëns's Samson and Delilah in November 1978.