Orchestra of Opera North

The Orchestra of Opera North is highly acclaimed. Our Orchestra is the only ensemble in the country to have a year-round dual role in the opera house and concert hall.

The Orchestra fill a vital role in concert series' in the Yorkshire region. They are the resident ensemble at the Kirklees Concert Season, in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, and play regularly for Leeds International Concert Season. They frequently make appearances with international guest conductors and soloists. As well as playing in the pit for each Opera North season.

The Orchestra in Focus

The Orchestra of Opera North stand alone in their ability to perform as an opera orchestra and a concert orchestra. Their approach is fresh and enthusiastic and gives versatility to Opera North’s profile.

Fifteen members of the Orchestra have been with the group for over 25 years, and this close unit continue Opera North’s innovative mission to bring opera music and performance into the 21st century.

The Orchestra in Concert

The Orchestra perform regular concerts and galas including the highly regarded Leeds International Concert Season. They are also the resident ensemble for the Leeds Conductors Competition and the Kirklees Concert Season. In 2008/09 the Orchestra is delighted to be opening and closing the Bradford International Concert Season. And in the summer the orchestra take part in Yorkshire's renowned Opera in the Park and Proms in the Park events.

The Orchestra Educates

Musicians of the Orchestra of Opera North play an integral part in the company’s education work taking part in Play ON workshops in schools across Yorkshire.

In December 2008, Opera North Orchestra were in residence at Salendine Nook High School in Kirklees, Yorkshire. Pupils worked with different members of the orchestra and other music artists in the Play ON sessions to explore and understand the elements that combine to produce Opera.

Many of the players in the Orchestra of Opera North also teach independently, with several holding professorships at the Royal Northern College of Music.

The Orchestra Tours

Opera North performs internationally. The Orchestra has toured abroad, both with the whole company - to the Teatro del Liceu in Barcelona, the Monaco Dance Forum, and the Ravenna Festival in Italy - and independently in concert, at the Contemporary Music Festivals in Vienna and Strasbourg. Closer to home, the Company regularly performs at Sadler's Wells in London, the BBC Proms, South Bank and at the Hampton Court Festival. In 2009 the Company will perform in Bregenz, Austria.

The Orchestra, Who's Who

* Indicates Opera North Company member for 25 years or more.

First Violins

David Greed* (Leader)
Peter Maslin (Co-Leader)
Andrew Long (Associate Leader)
David Riley*
Stephen Shulman*
Michael Ardron*
Eileen Spencer*
Brian Reilly
Tamsin Symons
Thea Spiers
Claire Osborne

Second Violins

Katherine New
Alison Dixon
Maria Vericonte*
Anita Chidsey*
Catherine Baker*
Helen Greig
Wendy Dyson

Violas

David Aspin
Vivienne Campbell
Anne Trygstad
Elizabeth Wyly
Howard Breakspear*
Vince Parsonage
Alex Fletcher

Cellos

Sally Pendlebury
Judith Burgin
Andrew Fairley*

Basses

Paul Miller*
Peter Fry
Claire Sadler

Flutes

Kevin Gowland
David Moseley*

Oboes

Richard Hewitt
Catherine Lowe

Clarinets

Colin Honour
John Robinson

Bassoons

Sebastian New
David Baker

Horns

Robert Ashworth*
John Pratt
Andrew Littlemore

Trumpets

Murray Greig
Michael Woodhead*

Trombones

Matthew Gee
Robert Burtenshaw*

Bass Trombone

Mark Frost

Tuba

Brian Kingsley*

Timpani

Marney O'Sullivan - Q&A with Marney

Percussion

Christopher Bradley*
Graham Hall

Chorus & Orchestral Director & Concerts Director: Dougie Scarfe
Orchestra Manager: Helen Wilson
Library Manager: Andrew Fairley*
Librarian: Victoria Bellis
Music Secretary: Helen Stephens
Pit Supervisor: Chris Ladds
Orchestra Attendant: Jordan Senior