Sept ’09 Celebrate Heritage Open Days
Sept ’09 Celebrate Heritage Open Days
Opera North and Leeds Grand Theatre threw open their doors on Sunday 13 September as part of the Heritage Open Days events programme, to give the general public a chance to discover hidden architectural gems and experience what goes on behind the scenes at an award-winning national opera company and stunning Victorian performance venue.
Over 2,000 visitors explored the venue and took part in the hustle and bustle of activities on offer. These included guided tours, presentations, exhibitions, games, craft activities, colouring competitions, singing workshops and face painting. There was also a story-telling, talk and performance of an excerpt of the brand new family opera Swanhunter with composer Jonathan Dove, librettist Alasdair Middleton and singer Yvonne Howard. Surprise performances of duets and trios from Opera North’s current production of Così fan tutte also took place around the building.
This was one of 70 openings and activities taking place in venues across Leeds, making it one of the largest Heritage Open Days events outside of London.
