Opera North, England’s national opera company based in Leeds, and Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) are delighted to announce a new partnership aimed at nurturing and inspiring young musical talent in the North.

A brand new production of the blockbuster American musical Carousel by Rodgers & Hammerstein, will open in Leeds in May 2012 for three weeks, swiftly followed by a week on tour at The Lowry, Salford Quays and five weeks at The Barbican, London in August 2012.

Opera North welcomes Dutch soprano Annemarie Kremer to sing the title role in its new production of Norma, which opens at the Leeds Grand Theatre on 28th January 2012, replacing American soprano Takesha Meshé Kizart who has withdrawn from the role.

Last weekend, a group of 50 computer hackers were granted access to the digital archives of Northern arts and heritage institutions as part of Culture Hack North: Leeds 2011. The 24 hour non-stop event, organised by Opera North as part of Leeds Digital Festival, was the first of its kind in the North of England.

In February 2011 Opera North launched its search for Yorkshire’s best young singers to produce the Company’s first ever large scale Children’s Chorus and the UK’s first focused, regular ensemble of its kind. 160 children aged 7-13 auditioned for places to bring the total number of members to 92. This unique opportunity will develop the children’s vocal potential and take them to the stage under the guidance of a major arts organisation.