Opera North Archives - Page 4 of 4

16Jun

By Harriet AndrewsNo Comments

North West

Opera North: Fidelio – The Lowry

The story of Fidelio is a simple one. Leonore (Rachel Nicholls) under the guise of a man (Fidelio) infiltrates a Spanish prison in order to free her husband Florestan (Toby Spence), who is a political prisoner. Meanwhile Don Pizarro (Robert Hayward), the governor of the prison and very man responsible for the wrongful imprisonment of Florestan intends to kill him before Don Fernando (Matthew Stiff) can arrive and uncover the cruelty taking place within the prison walls. The orchestra, conducted by Paul Daniel, was magnificent. Being socially distanced and taking up most of the stage, it was a different setup, and one which the musicians will have grown accustomed too, but the sound was rich, textured and balanced, and I would have been quite content to listen to it all night. O...

Orpheus In the Record Shop wins BBC Lights Up slot

12Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Orpheus In the Record Shop wins BBC Lights Up slot

Leeds Playhouse and Opera North’s innovative co-production of beatboxer Testament’s Orpheus in The Record Shop has won a slot in the BBC Lights up programme. Orpheus In the Record Store was originally staged at Leeds Playhouse in October 2020 as part of the Connected Voices co-production season with Opera North fusing classic and contemporary theatre on the themes of isolation, connection, resilience and reflection. Leeds-based rapper, writer and world record holding beatboxer Testament was commissioned to explore the power of the solo voice, within a communal space and the relationship between performer and audience. Testament’s beatboxing weaved round musicians from the Orchestra of Opera North that gave the Greek myth of Orpheus a contemporary Yorkshire twist. There was somethi...

Leeds Playhouse and Opera North join forces for socially distanced live shows

13Sep

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Leeds Playhouse and Opera North join forces for socially distanced live shows

It’s now six months since live theatre was first locked down but Leeds Playhouse are back joining forces with Opera North for a series of socially distanced live events over three weekends. Connecting Voices will take place across the various stages within the Playhouse bringing together artists and audiences safely to examine the power and expression of the solo voice as they re-engage people in communal creative activity. Orpheus in the Record Store is a newly commissioned piece by Leeds based beatboxer Testament and director Aletta Collins fusing spoken word and beatboxing with players from the Orchestra of Opera North that gives the Greek myth of Orpheus a contemporary Yorkshire twist. "There is much to say and share right now, and I passionately believe theatre has an a...

Opera North Postpones Autumn / Winter Seasons

2Jul

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

NEWS

Opera North Postpones Autumn / Winter Seasons

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the government’s advice regarding social gatherings and live performance, Opera North are very sorry to announce the postponement of all mainstage productions due to tour in Autumn 2020 and Winter 2021. The following productions are postponed and will be rescheduled over the next two years: La traviata, Jack the Ripper, Trouble in Tahiti / West Side Story Symphonic Dances, Carmen, Alcina and The Girl of the Golden West. Ticket holders for performances at Leeds Grand Theatre will be contacted as soon as possible by Opera North to refund all bookings. If you are a ticket holder for these events at The Lowry in Salford Quays, Theatre Royal Newcastle or Theatre Royal Nottingham, the venue box office will contact you directly to arrange a ref...